this is getting complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is getting complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a situation or topic is becoming more difficult to understand or manage. Example: "At first, the project seemed straightforward, but now this is getting complicated with all the new requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is getting complicated.

The Washington Post

4.06pm BST 4.03pm: Right, this is getting complicated.

The Guardian - Sport

Eating meat is unhealthy and grossly inefficient (you need up to 100 times more water to produce a pound of beef than you do a pound of wheat. A cow is essentially a giant sponge. Although if it were a sponge, it would be very eco-friendly. This is getting complicated. Let's leave it).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the third hand (this is getting complicated), who knows what's going to happen in places like Afghanistan and Iran.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Oh man, this Tiger prediction business is getting complicated.

The New York Times

Life is getting complicated.

The Guardian

But the system is getting complicated.

Yale University

Buying a phone service for the home is getting complicated these days.

The Economist

Regulating risky research is getting complicated.

Science Magazine

The science of happiness is getting complicated.

Vice

But we're getting complicated.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is getting complicated" to signal a shift in the narrative, indicating rising challenges or increased difficulty in understanding a topic. This can prepare the reader for a more in-depth explanation or a change in strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "this is getting complicated" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing seem less insightful and more like an admission of defeat. Instead, vary your language to describe the specific complexities involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is getting complicated" functions as an intransitive comment clause, often used to express a speaker's or writer's assessment of a situation. Ludwig confirms its common usage, signalling a transition to a more intricate or challenging stage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is getting complicated" is a phrase used to indicate that a situation or topic is becoming more difficult to understand or manage. Ludwig shows that the phrase is grammatically correct. While the phrase is acceptable in general and news contexts, more formal options such as "this is becoming complex" or "this is becoming intricate" may be preferred in academic or professional settings. It is essential to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that its usage effectively signals a shift towards increased complexity without oversimplifying the actual challenges involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is becoming complex

Emphasizes the increasing complexity of a situation.

this is becoming intricate

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of the complication.

this is proving difficult

Focuses on the increasing difficulty encountered.

things are getting messy

Suggests a chaotic and disorganized complication.

things are snowballing

Indicates that the complications are rapidly increasing and amplifying.

this is getting out of hand

Expresses that things are becoming unmanageable.

this is spiraling out of control

Implies a loss of control due to the increasing complications.

this is a tangled web

Highlights the interconnected and confusing nature of the problem.

this is turning into a quagmire

Suggests a complex and difficult situation to escape from.

this is escalating rapidly

Highlights the speed and intensity of the increasing complications.

FAQs

What does "this is getting complicated" mean?

It means a situation is becoming more difficult to understand or manage. It suggests that the initial simplicity has been replaced by increasing complexities and challenges.

When is it appropriate to use "this is getting complicated" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to signal a transition to a more complex part of your discussion. It helps the reader prepare for deeper analysis or more intricate details. For example, "At first, the plan was straightforward, but "this is getting complicated" with the addition of new stakeholders."

What can I say instead of "this is getting complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "this is becoming complex", "things are getting messy", or "this is proving difficult" depending on the context.

Is "this is getting complicated" suitable for formal writing?

While understandable, it might be better to use a more formal alternative in academic or professional contexts. Consider using "this is becoming intricate" or "this is becoming complex" for a more sophisticated tone.