turns more complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turns more complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or issue that is becoming increasingly complex or difficult to understand. Example: "Initially, the project seemed straightforward, but as we delved deeper, it turns more complicated with each new requirement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The situation turns more complicated when the patient at risk for IAH is being mechanically ventilated because under analgosedation and/or muscle relaxation, the typical signs and symptoms of complications such as abscesses or intra-abdominal fluid collections, hematomas, or even diffuse peritonitis could be masked.

Annals of Intensive Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

UNITED NATIONS — The contest to be the next leader of the United Nations turned more complicated on Wednesday when a Bulgarian diplomat long rumored to aspire to the position formally entered the race.

The New York Times

As it turns out, more complicated thoughts were running through his mind.

Los Angeles Times

His life has turned even more complicated.

The New York Times - Sports

As it turns out, matters become substantially more complicated if preferences are not homothetic.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Even simple tasks, like finding and turning on the light switch, become far more complicated.

The New Yorker

His evident struggle to uphold an ideal of capable, selfless, patriotic manhood — an ideal no one else seems to care about or even recognize — is the axis of the film's drama, and it turns into something larger, more complicated and more frightening than the quiet sorrow of an old man.

The New York Times

So, for amateur Freudians in the media world, there has been an easy assumption that James's professional choice of the theatre rather than newspapers was a rebellion against the male (and Mail) family line but, as in a good edition of Who Do You Think You Are?, the truth turns out to be more complicated.

The Guardian

Most H-4 wives are generally prohibited from working or obtaining a Social Security number which in turn makes it more complicated to open a bank account or get a driver's license.

Huffington Post

Constructing larger worlds, however, turned out to be more complicated.

The New Yorker

Mrs Palin, the early wisdom went, would help in the endeavour.The reality has turned out to be more complicated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turns more complicated", ensure the context clearly establishes what is initially simple or straightforward. This highlights the contrast and emphasizes the growing complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "turns more complicated" when describing situations that are already inherently complex. This can make your writing sound redundant or unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turns more complicated" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state. It describes how something transitions from a simpler state to a more complex one. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and can be used to depict an evolving situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turns more complicated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a shift from simplicity to complexity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, it conveys that a situation is becoming increasingly complex or challenging. While suitable for general usage, academic or formal writing might benefit from synonyms such as "becomes more complex" or "grows more intricate". When using this phrase, make sure that the initial simplicity is explicit, and avoid overuse in already complex situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes more complex

Replaces "turns" with "becomes", focusing on the state rather than the process of change.

grows more intricate

Substitutes "complicated" with "intricate", suggesting a more detailed and elaborate complexity.

evolves into complexity

Uses "evolves" to emphasize a gradual development of complexity.

develops complications

Shifts the focus to complications arising, implying potential problems.

takes a complex turn

Reorders the words to emphasize a turning point towards complexity.

assumes a convoluted form

Suggests a winding and intricate complexity.

morphs into a tangle

Emphasizes the confusing and intertwined nature of the complication.

progresses to greater complexity

Highlights the progression and increasing degree of complexity.

escalates in complexity

Implies a rapid increase in complexity.

ends up being complex

Uses a more casual phrasing to indicate a final state of complexity.

FAQs

What does "turns more complicated" mean?

The phrase "turns more complicated" indicates that a situation, issue, or process is becoming increasingly complex or difficult to understand than it initially was.

What can I say instead of "turns more complicated"?

You can use alternatives like "becomes more complex", "grows more intricate", or "develops complications" depending on the specific context.

Is "turns more complicated" formal or informal?

The phrase "turns more complicated" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

How can I use "turns more complicated" in a sentence?

You can use "turns more complicated" by introducing the subject which is initially simple and adding the phrase to illustrate the increasing complexity. For example: "The initial plan was straightforward, but it "turns more complicated" with each new obstacle."