to complicate the process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to complicate the process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or factors that make a situation or task more difficult or intricate. Example: "The new regulations are likely to complicate the process of obtaining permits for construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The complexity of the case is almost certain to complicate the process.

The New York Times

"If some are determined to complicate the process of talks, they are mistaken," he said, ISNA reported.

The New York Times

A number of foreign diplomats here noted that the passage of time is adding more obstacles because it it allows the various parties to complicate the process.

The New York Times

Television networks could not change their signals to thwart TiVo the way Web sites can use technology to complicate the process of filtering out ads, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

There's no reason to complicate the process here, and they don't.

TechCrunch

Correspondents say he has been central to efforts to stabilise the finances of struggling eurozone member states and his detention is likely to complicate the process.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

You are there to help guide them, not to further complicate the process.

WikiHow

To further complicate the process, the representativeness of a single spot sample will likely vary from chemical to chemical and among persons.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Mr. Indyk's departure threatens to complicate the peace process further, as American, Palestinian and Israeli negotiators struggle to reach a deal before President Clinton leaves office.

The New York Times

"In my view, they have enacted a fairly successful strategy over time of staking out an extreme position in order to complicate the decision process in Nato, and then reap some concessions.

BBC

Particularly in networks in which the localization of the network participants is essential, non-unique identification is known not only to complicate the localization process but also to significantly impact its quality.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing changes or additions that might make a task or procedure more challenging, use "to complicate the process" to clearly convey the negative impact on efficiency or ease of use.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when describing who or what is "complicating the process". Instead of saying "The process is complicated by...", opt for active voice: "New regulations complicate the process". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to complicate the process" functions as an infinitive phrase often used as part of a larger verb phrase. It describes the action of making a procedure or task more complex or difficult. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to complicate the process" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to describe actions or factors that make a procedure more intricate or difficult. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. Ludwig's examples show the phrase in use across a wide range of domains, and it's important to use the active voice when possible to strengthen your writing. Related phrases include "to make the process more complex" and "to hinder the process". Overall, "to complicate the process" is a versatile and effective way to express the idea of increasing complexity in a given procedure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make the process more complex

Focuses on the increased complexity of the process.

to make the process more difficult

Highlights the increased difficulty of the process.

to add intricacy to the process

Emphasizes the addition of detailed and complex elements.

to introduce obstacles to the process

Focuses on the introduction of impediments.

to hinder the process

Highlights the act of impeding or slowing down the process.

to muddle the process

Suggests making the process confusing or unclear.

to elaborate the process

Emphasizes adding detail and length.

to make the process convoluted

Highlights a twisting and complex process.

to create a more elaborate process

Focuses on the creation of an unnecessarily detailed process.

to make the process cumbersome

Suggests making the process heavy and difficult to manage.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to complicate the process" for a formal context?

In formal contexts, you might consider using alternatives such as "to make the process more complex", "to introduce obstacles to the process", or "to hinder the process" for a more refined tone.

Is it better to use "complicate" or "complexify" when describing a process?

"Complicate" is generally preferred over "complexify", as "complexify" is less common and can sound awkward. "Complicate" is widely understood and accepted, while "complexify" might be perceived as jargonistic. Use "to make the process more complex" if you want to use the adjective.

What's the difference between "to complicate the process" and "to clarify the process"?

"To complicate the process" means making a process more intricate, difficult, or confusing. Conversely, "to clarify the process" means making it more understandable, straightforward, and transparent. They are antonyms.

In what situations is it inappropriate to use "to complicate the process"?

It may be inappropriate to use "to complicate the process" in situations where the added complexity is unintentional or beneficial. In those cases, consider phrasing like "to add depth to the process" or "to enrich the process".