then complex then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then complex then" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
It seems to be an attempt to convey a sequence or comparison, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "The process started simple, but then complex then it became overwhelming."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When you eat food, your body first processes carbs (simple and then complex), then protein, and finally fat.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To be syntactically complex, then, is to be an outsider.

The Guardian - Books

That complex then reacts with molecular oxygen to emit light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Different non-parametric and parametric identification methods were then tested on simple and then complex models.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The E2s are then complex with Ub ligase E3s.

Protein & Cell

The GAPDH-Siah1 complex then is translocated to the nucleus.

Chemistry Central Journal

Voice Commerce is orders of magnitude more complex then web commerce.

Huffington Post

Squarepusher's New Music Video is a 360º VR AdvenThee.

Vice

The BLM complex then resolves these catenated DNA threads.

EMBO Journal

This miRNA-RISC complex then targets its cognate mRNA fragment.

BMC Genomics

Then, complex structures for replication have to emerge.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of events that increase in complexity, use clear and grammatically correct transitions such as "then it became more complex" or "subsequently, the process became more intricate".

Common error

Avoid repeating "then" when describing increasing complexity, as in "then complex then", which is grammatically awkward. Instead, use transitional phrases like "subsequently" or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then complex then" attempts to indicate a sequence leading to a state of complexity. However, due to its repetitive structure, it fails to serve any clear grammatical function and is considered ungrammatical, as also pointed out by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

20%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then complex then" is grammatically incorrect and not suitable for formal writing. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it does not make sense in written English. While the intent might be to describe a sequence towards complexity, it's best to use grammatically sound alternatives like "then it became more complex" or use transitional words such as subsequently, as shown in the examples from Ludwig. The primary contexts where the phrase appears are varied, including Wiki, News & Media, and Science, but its ungrammatical nature suggests it should be avoided in professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently more intricate

Replaces "complex" with "intricate" and uses "subsequently" for sequence, implying a higher degree of detail.

later increasingly complicated

Employs "complicated" instead of "complex" and "later" for temporal progression, emphasizing difficulty.

next, progressively sophisticated

Uses "sophisticated" to convey advancement in complexity, with "next" indicating sequence.

afterward, increasingly elaborate

Substitutes "elaborate" for "complex", highlighting the addition of details, and uses "afterward" to show order.

then increasingly involved

Replaces "complex" with "involved" suggesting intricacy and entanglement.

thereafter, more convoluted

Uses "convoluted" to emphasize the intricate and complex nature, with "thereafter" indicating sequence.

following that, progressively intricate

Employs "intricate" to suggest detailed complexity, with "following that" showing temporal order.

then, more sophisticated

Omits one instance of "then" for grammatical correctness, focusing on the increase in sophistication.

it became more complex

Restructures the phrase to a clause, with an increase in complexity.

it evolved to become complex

Restructures the phrase to highlight evolution to a complex state.

FAQs

How can I properly use "then" to describe increasing complexity?

Instead of repeating "then" as in "then complex then", use phrases like "then it became more complex" or transitional words such as "subsequently", "afterward", or "thereafter".

What's a grammatically correct way to express a sequence of increasing complexity?

You can say "then it evolved to become complex" or "the process then became more intricate", rather than the ungrammatical "then complex then".

What words can replace "complex" to describe something becoming more involved?

Alternatives to "complex" include "intricate", "sophisticated", "elaborate", or "involved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "then complex then" ever considered correct in any context?

No, the phrase "then complex then" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's best to use more precise and structured phrasing to convey your intended meaning.