this seems complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

'this seems complicated' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in almost any context when something appears to be difficult to understand or do. For example: "I'm having trouble understanding these instructions, this seems complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If all of this seems complicated, it is.

Columbia University

Now, this seems complicated, I know, but you know more about it than probably anybody here in this room.

The Washington Post

If this seems complicated, experts say, it pales next to the complexities of China's rapidly changing business scene.

The New York Times

In another five areas of the country – and if this seems complicated, that is down to the Work Programme's labyrinthine structure – A4e works as a Work Programme subcontractor itself.

The Guardian

If this seems complicated from a genealogical viewpoint, it is as nothing compared with the over-wrought emotional vortex of mother-daughter relationships that it spawned: the toxic quarrels between Sand's emotionally incontinent mother and austere grandmother, and the dreadful relationship between Sand and her own daughter Solange, whose sexual dysfunctionality almost defies belief.

The Guardian - Books

While this seems complicated, it is easier than you might think.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He went out of the store at an entrance far away from the one he had used to go in; he could have chosen any of eight or nine entrances, but this seemed complicated enough.

The New Yorker

If that seems complicated, you can just think of him as a life coach.

Huffington Post

However, this pattern seems complicated for both implementors and parsers, involves more elements and can require multiple 'dtstart' and 'dtend' classes, as in the example above.

BBC

Up to this stage, the situation seems complicated as we ignore the form of γ of which we are aware from the beginning that it may take a large number of forms.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

While it all seems complicated, this can be made in less than a half hour.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up with a brief explanation of why something "seems complicated" to provide more context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "this seems complicated" without further clarification. Instead, elaborate on the specific aspects that contribute to the perceived complexity to offer a more informative and helpful assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this seems complicated" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective assessment. It indicates that something gives the impression of being complex or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this seems complicated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a subjective perception of complexity. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in nearly all writing contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it is important to ensure clarity by specifying what "this" refers to. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "this appears complex" may be more suitable. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase without providing specific details about the perceived complexity. The phrase finds frequent application in news and media, academic, and wiki contexts, but is less common in scientific or business writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this appears complex

Replaces "seems complicated" with a synonym that carries a slightly more formal tone.

this is not straightforward

Highlights the lack of simplicity and directness.

this looks intricate

Substitutes the verb and adjective to highlight the detailed and potentially confusing nature of something.

this is challenging to understand

Directly states the difficulty in comprehending the subject.

this presents difficulties

Focuses on the challenges posed by the situation rather than a subjective feeling of complexity.

this is rather involved

Emphasizes the depth and numerous elements contributing to the complexity.

this is quite perplexing

Uses a stronger adjective to indicate bewilderment and confusion.

this requires careful consideration

Shifts the focus to the need for thoughtful analysis due to the complexity.

this has many layers

Emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the subject.

this is a tangled web

Uses a metaphor to describe the confusing and interconnected nature of the problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this seems complicated" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "this appears complex" or "this presents difficulties", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated vocabulary.

What's the difference between "this seems complicated" and "this is complicated"?

"This seems complicated" implies a subjective assessment based on initial perception, while "this is complicated" states the complexity as a fact. The former allows for the possibility of simplification or better understanding, whereas the latter suggests inherent complexity.

Is "this seems complicated" appropriate for all types of writing?

While generally acceptable, "this seems complicated" might be too informal for highly technical or academic writing. In such cases, opt for more precise and objective language to describe the complexity, like "this requires careful consideration".

What are some alternatives to "this seems complicated" that emphasize confusion?

If you want to emphasize confusion, you could use alternatives like "this is quite perplexing" or "this is challenging to understand", which directly express bewilderment or difficulty in comprehension.