things became complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things became complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that has become more difficult or confusing than it was previously. Example: "At first, the project seemed straightforward, but as we delved deeper, things became complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But then things became complicated.

The Guardian - Sport

After brief introductions, things became complicated.

The New York Times - Travel

But with outsiders, things became complicated.

The Guardian

Things became complicated at the end of the last English season, however.

The Guardian - Sport

And then things became complicated: Ron Burkle, the chairman of Yucaipa Companies, provided an infusion of money into Mr. Combs's clothing empire, took a controlling interest and — as Mr. Posen later said — began to impose stricter control on the designer's finances.

The New York Times

However, when I started having labs and classes in the basement, things became complicated.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That is where things become complicated.

The New York Times - Sports

And it's here that things become complicated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Things become complicated when Armand's son gets engaged and his fiancée's conservative parents (Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest) arrive for a visit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There is this imaginary line — sometimes completely imaginary — and things become complicated and different because of it".

The New York Times

As the late Paul Samuelson once observed, when a financial market starts falling sharply we move into the realm of the physics of landslides: things become complicated and unpredictable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things became complicated" to signal a turning point in a narrative or explanation. It's effective for highlighting when a situation shifted from simple to complex.

Common error

Avoid using "things became complicated" as a substitute for specific details about what made the situation complex. Follow it with a clear explanation of the complications that arose.

Linguistic Context

"Things became complicated" functions as a clause element, specifically a statement that introduces a change in circumstance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and signals that a situation has transitioned to a state of increased difficulty or intricacy. The examples provided support its use in narratives and explanations to mark this turning point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things became complicated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a situation has transitioned from simple to complex. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively signals this shift in narratives and explanations. While appropriate for neutral registers such as news and media, it may be too informal for highly formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details about the complications that arose, and don't overuse it as a vague placeholder. Alternatives include "matters escalated" and "problems arose".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matters escalated

Focuses on the intensification of a situation, implying a rise in tension or difficulty.

problems arose

Highlights the emergence of issues that add complexity to the initial scenario.

difficulties emerged

Similar to "problems arose", but emphasizes the challenges posed by the situation.

the situation deteriorated

Indicates a decline in the state of affairs, leading to increased complexity and potential issues.

the plot thickened

An idiomatic expression suggesting that the story or situation is becoming more mysterious and intricate.

a web of complexities unfolded

Emphasizes the gradual unveiling of multiple intertwined challenges.

the circumstances grew intricate

Highlights how the circumstances surrounding an event evolved, introducing detailed and often challenging aspects.

the challenge intensified

Points out an increase in the intensity of the problem, suggesting a more difficult challenge to overcome.

obstacles mounted

Focuses on the accumulation of barriers, emphasizing the growing difficulty in achieving a goal.

the project became unwieldy

Highlights the escalation of the challenge, suggesting a more difficult challenge to overcome.

FAQs

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

Use "things became complicated" to indicate a shift in a situation from simple to intricate. For example, "At first, the project seemed easy, but "things became complicated" when we encountered unexpected technical issues."

What are some alternatives to "things became complicated"?

Alternatives include "matters escalated", "problems arose", or "the situation deteriorated" depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "things became complicated" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "things became complicated" might be considered somewhat informal for highly formal writing. In such cases, consider alternatives like "the situation grew complex" or "matters became intricate".

Can "things became complicated" be used to describe both positive and negative developments?

While it often implies negative or challenging developments, "things became complicated" can also describe situations where increased complexity leads to positive outcomes, although this usage is less common. The specific context will determine the connotation.