unusually complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusually complex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is more complicated than what is typically expected or encountered. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were unusually complex, requiring multiple tools and careful attention to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We think in an "unusually complex fashion".

The Guardian - Books

Or have an unusually complex set.

The Guardian - Books

This is a unusually complex, philosophical plot for EastEnders.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Alcohol's emotional effect is unusually complex, he had said.

The New Yorker

The financial structure of the deal was unusually complex.

The Economist

Moreover, AEDPA's limitations period is neither unusually generous nor unusually complex.

Cornell University

President Abraham Lincoln's writing and speeches were unusually complex, argues professor emeritus George Kateb.

Princeton University

The government says the unusually complex case is its largest criminal tax inquiry ever.

The New York Times

The political calculus for the nominee is unusually complex this time.

The New York Times

He focuses on "unusually complex, enduring works for what they reveal about the age".

The New York Times - Books

Battles over tribal sovereignty and property rights often raise unusually complex questions.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "unusually complex", provide specific examples of what makes it so. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "unusually complex" as a generic descriptor. If everything becomes "unusually complex", the phrase loses its impact. Reserve it for situations where the complexity truly stands out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually complex" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something possesses a higher degree of complexity than is typically expected. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unusually complex" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively conveys a higher-than-normal degree of complexity. The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, appearing most often in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Ludwig's analysis and the real-world examples confirm its role in emphasizing the noteworthy sophistication or difficulty of the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of the complexity.

remarkably complicated

Highlights the high degree of complication.

extraordinarily elaborate

Focuses on the high level of detail and design.

singularly intricate

Emphasizes the unique and detailed aspect of the complexity.

distinctively convoluted

Highlights the twisting and complicated nature.

particularly sophisticated

Emphasizes the advanced and refined nature of the complexity.

notably labyrinthine

Draws an analogy to a labyrinth, emphasizing the confusing and intricate nature.

uncommonly involved

Stresses the high degree of factors and elements.

unprecedentedly detailed

Highlights that the level of detail is something never seen before.

untypically knotty

Focuses in the fact that something is like a knot and is hard to untangle.

FAQs

How can I use "unusually complex" in a sentence?

You can use "unusually complex" to describe situations, systems, or designs that have more elements or steps than expected. For example: "The financial structure of the deal was "unusually complex"."

What are some alternatives to "unusually complex"?

Alternatives include "exceptionally intricate", "remarkably complicated", or "particularly sophisticated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unusually complex" or "very complex"?

"Unusually complex" implies a level of complexity that is beyond the norm or expectation, while "very complex" simply indicates a high degree of complexity. Use "unusually complex" when you want to emphasize that the complexity is surprising or noteworthy.

Can "unusually complex" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "unusually complex" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although it is more commonly found in formal contexts such as academic papers, news articles, and business reports.