things are complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'things are complicated' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a situation is difficult or complex. For example, "I'm not sure about the best way to approach this task; things are complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But things are complicated.

The Guardian - Film

Beyond that, things are complicated.

The New York Times - Sports

But things are complicated than that.

The Guardian - Film

She says: "These things are complicated.

The Guardian

Things are complicated at Kelly's house.

The New York Times

Things are complicated, as always in this fractious land.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Things were complicated by many (staged) fallouts between manager and wrestler.

The New York Times - Arts

The equal pay for equal work thing is complicated.

The Guardian - Books

The race thing was complicated: some of us were friendly, but others faced off.

The New Yorker

So, like I said, the whole thing was complicated.

Huffington Post

The whole "money can't buy happiness" thing is complicated.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things are complicated", briefly hint at the nature of the complications without delving into exhaustive detail. This creates intrigue and acknowledges complexity without overwhelming the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "things are complicated" as a vague cop-out. Always provide some context or a brief explanation as to why things are complicated. This adds credibility and prevents the phrase from sounding dismissive or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are complicated" functions as a statement acknowledging the presence of complexity or difficulty within a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It serves to inform the listener or reader that the matter at hand is not simple or easily understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things are complicated" is a common and grammatically sound way to express complexity or difficulty in a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears frequently in news articles, scientific papers, and everyday conversations. When using this phrase, it's best to provide some context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "it's not straightforward" or "it's a complex situation". While broadly applicable, the register can shift depending on the context, and more formal situations might benefit from a more detailed explanation. It is found that the phrase often pops up in contexts like News and Media and Science, showing how frequently complexity is mentioned across many topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not straightforward

Emphasizes the lack of simplicity and directness.

it's a complex situation

Highlights the multifaceted and intricate nature of the scenario.

it's rather involved

Suggests that the matter requires significant attention to detail and understanding.

it's a tangled web

Metaphorically describes the situation as confusing and difficult to unravel.

it's not as simple as it seems

Indicates that the apparent simplicity is deceptive.

there are many layers to it

Focuses on the depth and hidden aspects of the issue.

it presents certain difficulties

Acknowledges specific problems or challenges.

there are several contributing factors

Highlights the multiplicity of influences at play.

the plot thickens

Suggests an increasingly intricate or mysterious development.

it requires careful consideration

Stresses the need for thoughtful analysis before reaching a conclusion.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "things are complicated"?

It typically means that a situation involves many interconnected issues, making it difficult to understand or resolve easily. It implies that there's more to the story than meets the eye.

How can I use "things are complicated" in a sentence?

You can use it to acknowledge a complex situation, such as: "I'd love to explain everything, but "things are complicated" right now." or "Navigating the legal system is challenging because "things are complicated"."

What are some alternatives to saying "things are complicated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's "not straightforward"", "it's a "complex situation"", or "it's "rather involved"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "things are complicated" or "it is complicated"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Things are complicated" usually refers to a specific set of circumstances, while "it is complicated" is more general. The best choice depends on the context, but both are usually interchangeable.