there was a complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a complication" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an unexpected issue or problem that arose in a situation or process. Example: "During the meeting, there was a complication that delayed our decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But there was a complication.

The New York Times

There was a complication, however: Puccini was then involved with another woman who was fully expecting to marry him and threatened legal recourse.

The New York Times - Books

Like most working-class youngsters in south Sydney he loved rugby league, but there was a complication – off the field he was only interested in boys.

The Guardian - Sport

He knew about the release order, he told my father; the barman had already been released, but there was a complication with the boy.

The New Yorker

But there was a complication: the period of a pendulum is affected very slightly by its latitude, altitude, and proximity to certain topographical features, meaning that a single spot would have to be chosen as the world's reference point.

The New Yorker

One Romney donor he called seeking a contribution, Mr. Kaufman said, had told him that he was no less supportive of Mr. Romney this year, but that there was a complication.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"The minute I know there's a complication I refer them and I usually know in advance if it's going to be a complicated case".

Unicef

But there is a complication.

SEP

There is a complication, though.

The New York Times - Sports

"With each inflection point, there is a complication.

The New York Times

That's pretty awful, though there is a complication, which Jeevan Vasagar's article highlights.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was a complication" to introduce an unexpected problem or difficulty that occurred during a process or event. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts but consider alternatives for very casual situations.

Common error

Avoid using "there was a complication" for very minor issues. Simpler phrases like "there was a problem" or "an issue arose" might be more appropriate for trivial difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a complication" functions as an existential clause introducing the existence of a problem or difficulty. It sets the stage for explaining the nature or consequences of the complication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was a complication" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an unexpected problem or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media and Scientific sources. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it for minor issues and to consider alternatives like "a problem arose" or "difficulties ensued" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both professional and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problem arose

Replaces the more descriptive "complication" with a simpler term for a difficulty.

an issue emerged

Focuses on the appearance of the problem rather than its nature.

difficulties ensued

Emphasizes that problems followed as a consequence.

a snag developed

Uses a more informal term, "snag", to describe a minor complication.

a hurdle appeared

Presents the problem as an obstacle that needs to be overcome.

an impediment surfaced

Highlights the hindering nature of the problem.

a setback occurred

Focuses on the negative impact of the complication, indicating a delay or reversal.

a hitch materialized

Uses a slightly more colloquial term, "hitch", implying a temporary disruption.

a challenge presented itself

Frames the complication as an opportunity for problem-solving.

things got tricky

An informal way of saying that the situation became difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "there was a complication" in a sentence?

You can use "there was a complication" to introduce an unexpected problem that arose during a particular situation. For example, "The surgery was proceeding smoothly, but "there was a complication" that required immediate attention".

What are some alternatives to "there was a complication"?

Alternatives include "a problem arose", "an issue emerged", or "difficulties ensued". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there was a complication"?

Yes, "there was a complication" is grammatically correct. The structure uses the singular form of the verb "to be" ("was") because "complication" is a singular noun.

What's the difference between "there was a complication" and "there were complications"?

"There was a complication" refers to a single, specific problem. "There were complications" indicates multiple problems or a complex series of issues. For example, "There were complications during the project, including budget overruns and scheduling delays".