a complex tale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex tale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a story or narrative that has intricate or complicated elements, themes, or plotlines. Example: "The novel unfolds a complex tale of love, betrayal, and redemption that keeps readers engaged until the last page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

So begins a complex tale told with economy and enormous affection by a mesmerising writer.

The Guardian

The Lemony Snicket phenomenon is a complex tale of talent, editorial ardor and grass-roots support.

The New York Times - Magazine

There followed a complex tale about which man pulled a knife on whom – but I couldn't follow.

Independent

The cliche in reporting diffuse elections is to describe a mosaic, with many technicolour parts that tell a complex tale.

The Guardian - Opinion

That statement, contained in a press release, spun a complex tale about the ancestry of Mr. Obama, who is Christian.

The New York Times

A small cinder-block building in a suburban office park outside Philadelphia is an unlikely setting for a complex tale of international intrigue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Blaze a 50" features a violin-based instrumental and a complex narrative that follows a tale of murder, sex, and betrayal.

Wikipedia

The movie's good intentions, however, are undercut by the bulk of this fact-based drama, which compresses a painful, complex tale into a plodding, sketchy screenplay that, sadly, is not enlivened by either direction or performances.

The New York Times - Arts

But the effect is to streamline a more complex tale into a coherent story that will make sense to readers (who, even if they respond to arguments, probably wouldn't be as fascinated by the actual behind-the-scenes between Stravinsky and Sergei Diaghilev).

The New York Times - Books

One asks the other Quo vadis? and after a bit of hesitation, tells him a very complex tale of where he is going, and what he is going to do.

The New Yorker

Focusing mainly on the federal prosecution of Mark A. Ciavarella, a former juvenile court judge in Pennsylvania accused of accepting kickbacks from a for-profit detention center in exchange for providing a steady stream of young inmates, Mr. May patiently uncovers a more complex tale of cronyism, corruption and moral crusading.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a complex tale", ensure that the surrounding text provides some context or hints about the specific complexities involved. This helps to engage the reader and sets expectations for the narrative.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a complex tale" without offering any supporting details. Instead, provide specific examples of what makes the narrative intricate or challenging to understand. For example, mention the number of characters involved, the multiple plotlines, or the historical context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex tale" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" is an adjective modifying the noun "tale". It describes the nature of the tale, indicating it's not straightforward but intricate. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex tale" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a story or narrative with intricate and complicated elements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While not exceedingly common, its use is appropriate when emphasizing the multifaceted nature of a story. For alternative phrasings, consider "an intricate story" or "a complicated narrative". When employing this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples or context to support the claim of complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate story

Replaces "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of the story.

a complicated narrative

Substitutes "tale" with "narrative" and "complex" with "complicated", focusing on the confusing elements of the story.

a convoluted account

Uses "convoluted" to highlight the winding and difficult-to-follow aspect of the account.

an elaborate yarn

Replaces "tale" with "yarn", suggesting a story that may be somewhat fanciful or embellished, while "elaborate" stresses the complexity.

a sophisticated plot

Emphasizes the refined and intricate nature of the plot, using "sophisticated" instead of "complex".

a Byzantine plot

Uses the term "Byzantine" to describe a plot characterized by intrigue and complexity.

a knotty problem

Shifts from a narrative to a problem, highlighting the difficulty and entanglement associated with it.

a labyrinthine intrigue

Uses "labyrinthine" to convey the idea of something maze-like and difficult to navigate, paired with "intrigue" to suggest a plot.

a tortuous history

Highlights the twisting and painful nature of the historical account.

a tangled web

Metaphorically describes the situation as a web, emphasizing its interconnected and confusing nature.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a complex tale" in writing?

To effectively use "a complex tale", provide context. Hint at the intricacies, multiple characters, or interwoven plotlines to pique the reader's interest and prepare them for a detailed narrative. For example: "The novel begins as a simple romance, but it soon unfolds into "a complex tale" of betrayal and redemption".

What are some alternatives to using "a complex tale"?

You can use alternatives like "an intricate story", "a complicated narrative", or "a convoluted account" to describe a story with many interconnected elements.

Is it better to say "a complex tale" or "a simple story" when describing a narrative?

The choice depends on the narrative you're describing. Use "a complex tale" if the story has many layers, characters, or plot twists. If the story is straightforward and easy to follow, "a simple story" is more appropriate.

In what contexts is "a complex tale" most appropriately used?

"A complex tale" is suitable for discussing books, movies, historical events, or any situation involving multiple interacting elements and nuanced relationships. It is often found in News & Media and academic analyses.