a convoluted issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a convoluted issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or problem that is complex and difficult to understand or resolve. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change is a convoluted issue, with many factors to consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, to make a sometimes convoluted issue easier to understand, are all the points you need to know.

Vice

Others have also raised the far more convoluted issue of whether Germans want the memorial as a monument to the Holocaust's victims or as an emblem of their own efforts to come to terms with the past.

The New York Times

Because of this convoluted issue, it is important for us set our initial opinions aside and instead first read and educate ourselves of the rise of extremist groups like ISIL.

Huffington Post

Online Support representative KingGobbo admitted the issue's existence and suggested a convoluted temporary fix involving switching the console into its Safe mode and changing its digital rights management setting from HDCP 2.2 to 1.4.

Forbes

They also cited issues with voice acting and a convoluted story.

Wikipedia

Granted, "Orlando" has a convoluted libretto.

The New York Times - Arts

They have a convoluted or pitted head, or cap.

Britannica

Naming a military operation is a convoluted process.

HuffPost

— If you have a snow day today or are otherwise looking for something to keep you busy for a half hour, here's our pitch: Over the weekend, Hasan Minhaj's Netflix show, "The Patriot Act," tackled the convoluted issue of the drug-pricing chain.

The Washington Post

So we see how policymakers respond to this miasma of uncertainties and mixed interests... as we do on the much more convoluted issues of global biodiversity and climate change.

BBC

Whether or not official thinking was that convoluted, the issue was bound to overshadow both the 60th anniversary of the NHS in July and a far-reaching review of its future by Lord Darzi, a surgeon, which is due by the end of June.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a convoluted issue", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the complexity or difficulty associated with the topic. Provide specific examples to illustrate the convoluted nature to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a convoluted issue" to describe matters that are only slightly complex. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and suggest a lack of clarity in your own understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a convoluted issue" functions as a noun phrase where "convoluted" modifies the noun "issue". It typically serves to characterize a subject as intricate, complex, and difficult to understand. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a convoluted issue" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a problem or situation characterized by complexity and difficulty in understanding. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to signal the intricate nature of a topic, often requiring careful analysis. While the phrase is relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using "a convoluted issue", it's important to ensure the context demonstrates the actual complexity, and avoid overusing the phrase in situations that are only mildly complicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex problem

Replaces "convoluted" with "complex", focusing on the intricate nature of the issue.

a complicated matter

Substitutes "convoluted" with "complicated", highlighting the difficulty in understanding or resolving the issue.

an intricate situation

Replaces "issue" with "situation" and "convoluted" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and complex arrangement of circumstances.

a thorny question

Replaces "convoluted" with "thorny", suggesting the issue is problematic and difficult to handle.

a tangled web

Employs a metaphor to describe the issue as a complex and confusing network.

a perplexing dilemma

Replaces "convoluted" with "perplexing", focusing on the confusing and puzzling nature of the issue.

a labyrinthine affair

Uses "labyrinthine" to highlight the confusing and maze-like nature of the issue.

an involved subject

Substitutes "convoluted" with "involved", indicating the issue has many parts or aspects.

a knotty predicament

Replaces "issue" with "predicament" and "convoluted" with "knotty", emphasizing the difficulty in untangling the situation.

a Byzantine process

Uses "Byzantine" to describe the issue as excessively complicated and characterized by intrigue.

FAQs

How can I use "a convoluted issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a convoluted issue" to describe topics that are complex and difficult to understand. For example: "The legal battle over the inheritance became "a convoluted issue" due to conflicting claims and hidden clauses."

What are some alternatives to "a convoluted issue"?

Alternatives include "a complex problem", "a complicated matter", or "an intricate situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a convoluted issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a convoluted issue" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the complexity and difficulty of a particular matter. However, ensure that your explanation is clear and concise to avoid further convolution.

What makes an issue "convoluted"?

An issue becomes "convoluted" when it involves many interconnected elements, conflicting perspectives, and a lack of clear or straightforward solutions. It often requires a deep understanding of multiple factors to even begin to address it effectively.