was complicated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was complicated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that has become more difficult due to additional factors or circumstances. Example: "The project was complicated by unforeseen technical difficulties that arose during the implementation phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The decision was complicated by gender.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After surgery, Smith's recovery was complicated by an infection.

The Washington Post

Perhaps his injury was complicated by fatigue, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Wolf's own child-rearing was complicated by health issues.

The New Yorker

But it was complicated by his role in the community.

The New York Times

The problem was complicated by two other factors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One case was complicated by embolization of septic thrombi.

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Her clinical course was complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus, immunosuppressant therapy, and septic shock.

Stanford University

His family life was complicated by several affairs and Kitty's drinking.

The Washington Post

The Irish referendum was complicated by that country's constitutional ban on abortion.

The New York Times

Cooking was complicated by illegible sell-by dates and cooker dials.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was complicated by", consider whether a more specific verb might be more appropriate, such as "exacerbated", "hindered", or "compounded", depending on the precise nature of the complication.

Common error

Avoid using "was complicated by" with overly broad or vague subjects. Instead of saying "The situation was complicated by factors", specify which factors are causing the complication to provide a clearer and more informative sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was complicated by" functions as a passive construction indicating causation. It identifies a factor that increased the complexity of a situation, event, or process. Ludwig AI confirms its wide use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was complicated by" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations that have become more complex due to additional factors. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and broad usage. It appears most frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what caused the complication and consider whether alternative verbs like "exacerbated" or "hindered" might be more precise. Avoid vague subjects to maximize the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was made more difficult by

Replaces "complicated" with a more direct and simpler term, focusing on the increased difficulty.

was exacerbated by

Emphasizes that something made the situation worse, not just more complex.

was compounded by

Highlights the accumulation of factors that made the situation more intricate.

was worsened by

Directly states that something made the situation worse.

was intensified by

Focuses on the increase in the degree or strength of the difficulty.

was hindered by

Indicates that something slowed down or obstructed progress.

was affected negatively by

A more general way of saying something had a detrimental impact.

was disrupted by

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance caused by something.

was impaired by

Indicates that something diminished or weakened the effectiveness.

was muddled by

Suggests that something made the situation confusing or unclear.

FAQs

How can I use "was complicated by" in a sentence?

Use "was complicated by" to indicate that a situation became more difficult or complex due to an additional factor. For example: "The project "was complicated by" unforeseen technical issues."

What are some alternatives to "was complicated by"?

You can use alternatives like "was made more difficult by", "was exacerbated by", or "was hindered by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "was complicated by" or "was worsened by"?

The choice depends on the context. "Was complicated by" suggests increased complexity, while "was worsened by" indicates a decline in quality or condition. Choose the phrase that more accurately reflects the situation.

What does "was complicated by" mean?

"Was complicated by" means that something became more difficult or intricate due to the influence of an additional factor or circumstance. It implies that the original situation was made more complex as a result of something else.