[Grammar] any complex things / something complex

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uktous

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2009
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Japanese
Home Country
Japan
Current Location
UK
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

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2009
Member Type
Academic
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

VIP Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
English
Home Country
Australia
Current Location
Australia
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.
 
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