this was complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or topic that was difficult to understand or navigate in the past. Example: "After reviewing the project details, I realized that this was complicated and required more time to analyze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I told you this was complicated.

The New York Times - Sports

But none of this was complicated or overly intellectual.

The New York Times

This was complicated by a recent viral illness, which had inflamed the heart, reported the Scotsman.

Independent

This was complicated for a child, a smack would have been easier, but it wasn't his way.

The Guardian - Books

In his case this was complicated by a crisis of confidence that had come out of nowhere during a run of Othello.

The Guardian - Books

This was complicated by the cones on the ground, but I remembered that when driving a car, I seldom looked directly down at the lines painted on the road, and that helped.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But this is complicated.

The Economist

"And this is complicated.

The Guardian - Tech

He added: "This is complicated.

The New York Times

None of this is complicated.

The Guardian

How to do this is complicated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation, be specific about what made it complicated. Instead of just saying "this was complicated", explain the factors or elements that contributed to the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "this was complicated" as a blanket statement. Instead, provide context and details about the specific aspects that were challenging or difficult to manage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was complicated" functions as a statement, typically used to describe a past situation or process that involved multiple interconnected elements, making it difficult to understand or resolve. Ludwig AI identifies its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this was complicated" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations that presented challenges due to their multifaceted nature. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. For best use, always specify what made the situation complicated to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "it was complex" or "it presented a challenge" can provide nuance, but clarity and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a complex matter

This alternative uses "matter" instead of directly addressing a situation, suggesting a more abstract complication.

it presented a challenge

This focuses on the challenging aspect, shifting the emphasis from inherent complexity to the difficulty it poses.

it proved to be intricate

The word "intricate" suggests a detailed and interwoven complexity, similar to "complicated" but with a nuance of design.

the situation was knotty

"Knotty" implies a tangled problem, akin to complicated, but perhaps more resistant to easy solutions.

it involved numerous factors

This highlights the presence of multiple contributing elements to the complexity rather than the overall difficulty itself.

it was not straightforward

This phrase uses understatement to convey that the issue involved some degree of difficulty or complication.

it was an uphill battle

This idiom signifies a prolonged and arduous struggle, emphasizing effort against resistance rather than the complexity itself.

it demanded careful navigation

This shifts focus to the need for skillful handling of the complex situation, underscoring the active role required.

it posed some difficulties

Similar to "presented a challenge", this phrase frames the complexity as a set of obstacles that needed overcoming.

it required a multifaceted approach

This phrase highlights the necessity of applying different methods to solve the inherent complexity, more than directly mentioning difficulty.

FAQs

What does "this was complicated" mean?

The phrase "this was complicated" means that a situation, task, or topic involved many interconnected elements or difficulties, making it not simple or easy to understand or resolve.

What are some alternative phrases for "this was complicated"?

Some alternative phrases include "it was complex", "it presented a challenge", or "it proved to be intricate".

Is it grammatically correct to say "this was complicated"?

Yes, "this was complicated" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure with a subject ("this"), a past tense verb ("was"), and a predicate adjective ("complicated").

How can I make my writing clearer when using "this was complicated"?

To improve clarity, follow up "this was complicated" with specific details about what made it so. For example, "This was complicated due to conflicting regulations and limited resources."