was complicated with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was complicated with" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that something was made complex due to certain factors, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The project was complicated with numerous unforeseen challenges that arose during the implementation phase."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But the case against Mr. Reyes was complicated, with the jury taking seven days to deliberate.

The New York Times - Tech

Unlike Naharin's drills, the choreography of "Winter Voyage" was complicated, with long phrases.

The New Yorker

The regimen was complicated, with various drugs taken throughout the day, some at least one hour before eating, others two hours after eating and another at midnight.

The New York Times - Science

In conclusion, the report stated that the personal life of Mr Todd was "complicated", with relationships with some women, "platonic or otherwise", lasting many years.

Independent

It was complicated with bacteremia within 11 patients.

Annals of Intensive Care

We recorded demographic patients' characteristics which ICU's stay was complicated with at least one NI.

Annals of Intensive Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

When grouped with single complication, 22 patients were complicated with aGVHD, 3 with thrombosis, and 28 with infection.

Annals of Hematology

But its application can be complicated, with indirect effects.

The New York Times

But that scenario is complicated with these two clubs.

The New York Times - Sports

Barak conceded that a military option "would be complicated with certain associated risks.

The Guardian

The Lassa disease system is complicated with links to ecosystem services and livelihoods.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "was complicated with" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "was complicated by" or "was made complex by" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use "with" when "by" is the appropriate preposition to indicate causation or influence. Using "was complicated by" instead of "was complicated with" specifies the factor causing the complication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was complicated with" functions as a passive construction aiming to describe a state where something is made complex. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrasing is grammatically incorrect. It's intended to show that something has been rendered more difficult or intricate due to certain factors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "was complicated with" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The intended meaning is to indicate that something became complex due to certain factors, but the correct phrasing should be "was complicated by" or "was made complex by". Due to its grammatical issues, it's advisable to avoid this phrase in formal writing and opt for clearer, more accepted alternatives. The scientific and news media contexts where it appears don't override the fact that it's not considered standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was made more complex by

This alternative directly replaces "complicated with" to indicate an increase in complexity due to a specific factor.

was rendered intricate by

This phrase uses "intricate" to emphasize a detailed and complex nature, while "rendered" suggests causation.

was further entangled by

"Entangled" suggests a messy or confusing complexity that is added to the initial situation.

was compounded by

This implies that additional elements exacerbated the complexity of the situation.

was intensified with difficulties from

This version emphasizes that problems are increasing severity through additional difficulties.

saw an increase in complexity due to

A longer, more descriptive alternative highlighting that more complexity has come as a result of specific causes.

experienced added layers of complexity from

Similar to above, it also points to additional levels of complexity added by certain influences.

faced increased challenges because of

This phrasing focuses on challenges arising as complexities emerge from underlying factors.

had its issues amplified by

Focuses on how existing problems became more intense as complicating factors came into effect.

was made more problematic by

Shifts the focus from complex to the negative connotations of problems that come from complicatedness.

FAQs

Is "was complicated with" grammatically correct?

No, "was complicated with" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The preferred phrasing is "was complicated by" or "was made complex by".

What are some alternatives to "was complicated with"?

Alternatives include "was complicated by", "was made complex by", or "was further entangled by", depending on the specific context.

How does "was complicated by" differ from "was complicated with"?

"Was complicated by" is the correct and commonly accepted phrasing to indicate that something became complex because of a particular factor. "Was complicated with" is grammatically incorrect and can sound awkward to native English speakers.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "was complicated with"?

While grammatically incorrect, "was complicated with" may be encountered in informal contexts or in writing by non-native English speakers. It's best to avoid using it in formal or professional writing in favor of alternatives like "was made more complex by".