how complex it is vs how complex is it

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'How complex it is' is used when the subject is already known and the focus is on its complexity. 'How complex is it' is used when the subject is being introduced or emphasized. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1688 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"how complex it is"

This phrase is used when the subject being discussed is already known, and the focus is on its complexity. It is a valid way to inquire about the level of complexity of something.

Examples:

I didn't realize how complex it is to build a computer from scratch.
She explained to me how complex it is to understand quantum physics.
We often underestimate how complex it is to manage a large team.
He described how complex it is to navigate through the city without a map.
The teacher highlighted how complex it is to master a new language.

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I would like to say that I have been involved in this for quite a long time, and that means I know how complex it is.
Because if you look at a brain with your naked eye, you don't really see how complex it is, but when you use a microscope, finally the hidden complexity is revealed.
We heard from small- and medium-sized enterprises without departments devoted to human resources as to how complex it can be to find the individual that you want and deal with the paperwork, and how long it can take before that person actually starts work.
This just shows how complex the system really is.
But I was surprised by how complex the transition was from military to civilian.
This is how complex the economy we've created is.
I hope that the European Union will take into account how complex this issue is.
That shows how complex the standardization process is.
For two years we have constantly been emphasizing how complex this crisis is.
I had no idea how complex man pants actually were.
When you said it was complex, I don't think I realised just how complex you meant.
performing inspection and audit activities in a complex IT environment,
We have seen how complex our constitutional reform has been, as it was approved only a few weeks ago after heated and difficult debate.
The difference between provisions shows how complex the debate is and raises several questions that merge into one another.
It has no clear idea of how complex this whole matter is.
This is how complex the economy we've created is.
And all of this also means that you can forget about the individual parts of the system, how complex they are.
I heard a lot of diverging opinions, which in itself shows how complex this matter is.
Mr President, I should like to thank everyone for all the contributions, which reflect how complex an issue we are dealing with.
That indicates how complex this is, and on top of it we have the Member States.

Alternatives:

how complex it can be
how complex it seems
how complex it appears
how complex it has become
how complex it has been

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"how complex is it"

This phrase is used when introducing or emphasizing the complexity of something. It is a valid way to inquire about the level of complexity of a subject that is being discussed.

Examples:

I just learned about this new software. How complex is it to use?
The professor mentioned a new theory. How complex is it to understand?
We are considering a new project. How complex is it to implement?
She showed me a recipe. How complex is it to cook?
He described a new game. How complex is it to play?

Show examples from the web [+]

I would like to say that I have been involved in this for quite a long time, and that means I know how complex it is.
Because if you look at a brain with your naked eye, you don't really see how complex it is, but when you use a microscope, finally the hidden complexity is revealed.
Given that the Ciudad de la Luz complex is outside the city of Alicante and next to an industrial complex, these benchmark prices are highly inflated.
This just shows how complex the system really is.
But I was surprised by how complex the transition was from military to civilian.
This is how complex the economy we've created is.
I hope that the European Union will take into account how complex this issue is.
That shows how complex the standardization process is.
For two years we have constantly been emphasizing how complex this crisis is.
I had no idea how complex man pants actually were.
When you said it was complex, I don't think I realised just how complex you meant.
The abandoned city surrounding the complex is under our control.
A guilt complex is a disturbance of the psyche, a neurosis.
However, reduction of the QRS complex is considered more indicative of cardiac toxicity.
However, reduction of the QRS complex is considered more indicative of cardiac toxicity.
The whole Volm complex is gone.
The whole Volm complex is gone.
Well, complex is not complicated.
What, her persecution complex is genetic?
The execution complex is hidden away in a corner of the prison.

Alternatives:

how complex it can be
how complex it seems
how complex it appears
how complex it has become
how complex it has been

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how complex it is vs how complex is it

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