which could complicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which could complicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential issues or difficulties that may arise from a situation or decision. Example: "The new regulations are beneficial, but they come with additional requirements, which could complicate the implementation process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Cartilage trouble is also suggested, which could complicate his recovery".

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Salem also holds Spanish citizenship, which could complicate the latter case.

The New York Times

He does have his own agenda though, which could complicate the NPT review.

The Economist

Nakajima was hoping to be a starter, which could complicate those negotiations.

The New York Times

He is the third Ivy League president to announce his resignation this year, which could complicate the searches for successors.

The New York Times

Just 28 of the 84 units were occupied, which could complicate rescue efforts in a fire, the spokesman said.

The New York Times

The cabinet also expressed Israel's many reservations about the plan, which could complicate efforts to put it into effect.

The New York Times

Voters' Pavlovian reaction may simply be that fiscal austerity equals pain, which could complicate Republican messaging in the long-run.

The New York Times

The buyers have agreed to continue an experimental loan-modification scheme launched by the FDIC, which could complicate their plans.

The Economist

(This was seen as reasonable, given that Mr. Berlusconi has about 20 bodyguards, which could complicate volunteer work).

The New York Times

The exact manner in which the incident is described and resolved has become a matter of national honor, which could complicate efforts to reach a compromise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which could complicate", ensure the preceding clause clearly identifies the factor that has the potential to cause complications. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "which could complicate" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which could complicate" functions as a relative clause introducing a potential factor that may add complexity or difficulties to a given situation. It connects a subordinate clause to a main clause, providing additional information about a noun or pronoun. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which could complicate" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce potential problems or complexities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news articles to scientific papers. While widely used, it's important to ensure clarity by clearly identifying the factor causing the potential complication. Remember to vary your sentence structure to prevent overuse. Alternatives such as "that might complicate" or "potentially complicating" can offer subtle differences in nuance. Its frequent use in authoritative sources highlights its reliability and acceptance in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that might complicate

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

that may complicate

Substitutes "could" with "may", indicating possibility rather than capability.

potentially complicating

Replaces the clause with a participial phrase for brevity.

that has the potential to complicate

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the potential for complication.

that might create difficulties

Replaces "complicate" with "create difficulties", focusing on the resulting problem.

that could make more intricate

Replaces "complicate" with "make more intricate", emphasizing increased complexity.

which may present challenges

Uses "present challenges" instead of "complicate", highlighting the difficulties.

that may add layers of complexity

Substitutes "complicate" with "add layers of complexity", focusing on layering.

which might pose an obstacle

Replaces "complicate" with "pose an obstacle", suggesting a barrier.

that could introduce problems

Uses "introduce problems" instead of "complicate", shifting the focus to problems.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "which could complicate" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "that may create difficulties" or "that has the potential to complicate", both of which maintain the meaning but elevate the language.

What's a simpler way to say "which could complicate"?

Simpler options include "that might complicate" or "that may complicate", which use more common vocabulary while retaining the original meaning.

Is "which could complicate" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "which could complicate" is suitable for academic writing as it clearly introduces a potentially complicating factor. However, ensure your writing remains concise and avoid unnecessary complexity.

How does "which could complicate" differ from "which will complicate"?

"Which could complicate" suggests a possibility, while "which will complicate" implies a higher degree of certainty. Use "which could complicate" when the complication is not guaranteed but remains a potential outcome.