What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
implicate
Example
The evidence implicates him in the robbery. [implicates: verb]
Example
The new findings implicate the company in the environmental damage. [implicate: present tense]
complicate
Example
The negotiations were complicated by the language barrier. [complicated: past tense]
Example
The new regulations will complicate the process of obtaining a visa. [complicate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complicate is more commonly used than implicate in everyday language. Complicate is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while implicate is more specific and often used in legal or criminal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between implicate and complicate?
Both implicate and complicate can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, implicate may be considered more formal due to its association with legal or criminal contexts.