Intricate question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Intricate question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is complex or detailed, often requiring careful thought or analysis. Example: "The professor posed an intricate question that left the students pondering for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

How to foster technical change is a highly relevant and intricate question in the arena of policymaking.

Research Policy

That is a more intricate question but it has the same answer.

The Guardian

"It's different in that the nature of the question is a much more intricate question," said Dr. Greenspan, who said he is involved in the brain project.

The New York Times - Science

"The whole intricate question of method," the British critic Percy Lubbock wrote in his landmark 1921 study "The Craft of Fiction," "I take to be governed by the question of the point of view".

The New York Times - Magazine

Referring to some of the canonical fathers of international law, the Times reported, "In view of the intricate question of international law likely to be raised, there is a casting about for precedents, and in the streets even GROTIUS, PUFFENDORF [sic], VATTEL and WHEATON are learnedly appealed to for justification".

The New York Times

As an aside, there is an intricate question here about "rules of origin" – how much North American content is required to secure NAFTA preferences.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Intricate questions of public policy that would confuse and baffle most people intrigue her.

The New Yorker

More intricate questions, which are harder to game, are more likely to keep the companies out of trouble.

The Guardian

As research moves forward with studying the effectiveness of text messaging programs, it's important to determine the answer to these more intricate questions.

Stanford University

By asking long, intricate questions, Teitelman forced Shangle into a number of contradictions and grammatical errors that brought forth titters from the group of Princeton-educated defendants.

Princeton University

Professor Ayrton had begun the investigation but ill-health prevented him from pursuing the intricate questions involved, and at a very early stage he handed the subject over to his wife.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Intricate question" when you want to emphasize the complexity and depth required to understand or answer a particular query. This phrase is suitable for academic, scientific, and formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "Intricate question" when a simpler term like "complex question" or "difficult question" would suffice. Overusing the term can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intricate question" functions as a noun phrase, where "intricate" modifies the noun "question". As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a query characterized by complexity and the need for detailed analysis. The examples show its use in various domains, from policymaking to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intricate question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a query that is complex and requires detailed analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "complex question", it is appropriate in formal, academic, and scientific contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Academic sources, emphasizing its role in discussions requiring precision and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Complex problem

Replaces 'question' with 'problem', shifting the focus from inquiry to a challenge requiring a solution.

Complicated matter

Substitutes 'question' with 'matter', implying a situation that is difficult to understand or deal with.

Detailed inquiry

Replaces "intricate" with "detailed" emphasizing thoroughness and precision, while substituting 'question' with 'inquiry' for a formal tone.

Sophisticated issue

Replaces "intricate" with "sophisticated" focusing on the advanced nature of the subject, and substitutes 'question' with 'issue'.

Profound puzzle

Emphasizes the depth and mystery of the question, using 'profound' and 'puzzle' to highlight its enigmatic nature.

Challenging conundrum

Highlights the difficulty of the question, using "challenging" and "conundrum" to convey its perplexing nature.

Deeply involved problem

Highlights the entanglement and complexity, swapping 'intricate' with 'deeply involved' and 'question' with 'problem'.

Elaborate issue

Uses 'elaborate' to emphasize the detailed and complex nature, while swapping 'question' with 'issue'.

Subtle point

Emphasizes the fine, often overlooked aspects of the question, making it difficult to grasp.

Perplexing enigma

Replaces "intricate" with perplexing and "question" with "enigma" to highlight the confusing and mysterious aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "Intricate question" in a sentence?

You can use "Intricate question" to describe a query that requires careful consideration and analysis. For example, "The researcher is grappling with an intricate question about the nature of dark matter."

What is a simpler alternative to "Intricate question"?

Alternatives include "complex question", "difficult question", or "complicated question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "Intricate question"?

The phrase "Intricate question" is most appropriate in formal, academic, and scientific contexts where precision and a high level of detail are expected.

What makes a question "intricate"?

A question is considered "intricate" when it involves multiple interconnected parts, requires deep understanding to address, and may lack a straightforward answer.