that sounds complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that sounds complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is difficult to understand or that the process of doing something might be difficult. Example: When I tried to explain the new government regulations, my friend said, "That sounds complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

If that sounds complicated, it's way more complicated than that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If that sounds complicated, it's nothing to the soap-opera twists Mr. Baker has in store.

The New York Times

If that sounds complicated, consider the design that Mr. Koolhaas's Office of Metropolitan Architecture was to unveil Thursday.

The New York Times

If that sounds complicated, it is still cheaper than buying dollars in the illegal market.The government's objective seems to be to close the gap between the official and blue exchange rates, alleviating the need to spend more of those precious reserves to prop up the official rate.

The Economist

That sounds complicated.

Forbes

That sounds complicated for companies, logistically.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

If this sounds complicated for the three-day-old bird, think again.

BBC

If this sounds complicated, well, it is.

Huffington Post

If this sounds complicated, search for a video tutorial.

WikiHow

They then recreated it from that recreation, which sounds complicated but, no, the Köln Martini is all about keeping it pure: 15ml dry vermouth, 50ml gin and two drops of homemade citrus aromatics.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If it sounds complicated, that is because it is but since the velodrome opened its doors last week no other event has kicked off to a louder cheer.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "that sounds complicated". In formal settings, alternatives like "that appears complex" or "that seems intricate" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "that sounds complicated" excessively in formal writing or presentations. While grammatically correct, it can come across as dismissive or lacking in professional nuance. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sounds complicated" functions as a declarative statement expressing an opinion or assessment of something described. It uses a sensory verb ("sounds") to convey a subjective impression of complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that sounds complicated" is a commonly used phrase to express the perception of something being difficult to understand or implement. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While acceptable in various contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional settings. It appears frequently in News & Media and academic sources. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the desired level of formality, and be prepared to offer simplification or reassurance if the complexity is overstated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that seems intricate

Replaces "complicated" with a synonym suggesting elaborate detail, implying complexity.

that appears complex

Substitutes "sounds" with "appears" and "complicated" with "complex", indicating perceived difficulty.

that looks difficult

Uses "looks" instead of "sounds" and "difficult" instead of "complicated", focusing on visual assessment of challenge.

that seems challenging

Replaces "complicated" with "challenging", highlighting the demanding nature of the subject.

that is perplexing

Emphasizes the confusing nature of the subject, using a more formal tone.

that's a tall order

Uses an idiom to suggest that something is a difficult task to achieve.

that is hard to grasp

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding the concept.

that is beyond me

Expresses the speaker's inability to understand or deal with something.

that's a bit much to take in

Indicates that something is overwhelming or difficult to process.

that's as clear as mud

Uses an idiom to sarcastically imply that something is not clear at all.

FAQs

What does "that sounds complicated" mean?

It means something appears difficult to understand or implement based on its description. It expresses a perception of complexity.

What can I say instead of "that sounds complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "that seems intricate", "that appears complex", or "that looks difficult" depending on the context.

Is "that sounds complicated" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, it might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "that appears complex" or "that seems challenging".

How can I respond if someone tells me "that sounds complicated" after I explain something?

You can respond by simplifying your explanation, offering to provide examples, or assuring them that it's actually simpler than it seems. You could also say, "It "sounds complicated", but it's actually pretty simple".