any complex things / something complex

[uktous]

Hi,

I know I can say:
We should not include any complex idea in our presentation.

Can I say:
1) We should not include any complex things in our presentation.
2) We should not include something complex in our presentation.


Why ask?
I just want to know whether the 2 sentences above is acceptable in English or not.

Thanks

[kfredson]

Hi,

I know I can say:
We should not include any complex idea in our presentation.

Can I say:
1) We should not include any complex things in our presentation.
2) We should not include something complex in our presentation.


Why ask?
I just want to know whether the 2 sentences above is acceptable in English or not.

Thanks

Yes, they are, although I would say "anything complex" rather than "something."

Also, the word "things" is a bit vague, although perfectly understandable. You might use "items" or "points." They are not actually more specific but they somehow sound more professional.

[Raymott]

Hi,

I know I can say:
We should not include any complex idea in our presentation.

Can I say:
1) We should not include any complex things in our presentation.
2) We should not include something complex in our presentation.


Why ask?
I just want to know whether the 2 sentences above is acceptable in English or not.

Thanks

They're acceptable but they don't mean the same thing (to me).
Let's say you wanted to present an organisation hierarchy, with the General Manager at the top, right down to the clerical staff. This would be a "complex thing" to present, but a simple idea for most people.
It's possible to think of other complex things that you might present that aren't ideas.