a labyrinthine question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a labyrinthine question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is complex, intricate, or difficult to navigate, often requiring deep thought or analysis. Example: "The professor posed a labyrinthine question that left the students pondering for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given this labyrinthine question of status, as well as the history and ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians, the two populations are often fearful of mingling.

The Guardian

You have a labyrinthine imagination.

The New Yorker

Compensation deals got bogged down in a labyrinthine legal system.

The Economist

Reaching a decision had looked like a labyrinthine process.

The Guardian - Tech

A labyrinthine bureaucracy governs a street vendor's life.

The Guardian

Litigation: Nic provides the Ariadne's thread through a labyrinthine pharma-tort judgment out of California.

Harvard University

Then, to make matters worse, one has to run a labyrinthine legal system, blindfolded.

Stanford University

How to follow a labyrinthine, philosophically allusive text like Donne's without veering toward the precious?

The New Yorker

The M.T.R. has a labyrinthine underground network that can be time-consuming to navigate.

The New York Times

Every day I met distressed struggling to negotiate a labyrinthine and brutal welfare system.

Independent

So, in a labyrinthine way, I did manage to teach him to enjoy life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a labyrinthine question" when you want to emphasize the complexity and intricate nature of a question that requires deep and careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a labyrinthine question" when a simpler term like "complex question" would suffice. Overly ornate language can obscure your meaning and make your writing appear pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a labyrinthine question" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "labyrinthine" describes the type of "question", indicating its complexity and intricacy. Ludwig shows examples where "labyrinthine" is used to describe complex systems, processes, and structures, highlighting its descriptive capability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a labyrinthine question" is a phrase used to describe a question that is exceedingly complex and intricate, demanding careful consideration. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct, though relatively rare. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts and serves to emphasize the challenging nature of the question at hand. While effective for conveying complexity, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the overall tone and clarity of the writing, and avoiding overuse in favor of simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a baffling conundrum

Replaces both words by other two that express the same idea with the same strength, complexity and difficulty.

a complicated query

Uses "complicated" instead of "labyrinthine" and "query" instead of "question", emphasizing the complexity of the inquiry.

an intricate inquiry

Substitutes "labyrinthine" with "intricate" and "question" with "inquiry", highlighting the detailed nature of the question.

a complex problem

Replaces "question" with "problem", shifting the focus from inquiry to a challenge.

a convoluted issue

Uses "convoluted" to describe the complexity and "issue" instead of "question", implying a broader problem.

a perplexing enigma

Replaces "question" with "enigma", suggesting a more mysterious and puzzling aspect.

a thorny dilemma

Replaces "question" with "dilemma", suggesting a situation with difficult choices.

an involved matter

Shifts the focus from a question to a "matter", indicating a more general and encompassing issue.

an obscure puzzle

Highlights the hidden and unclear nature of the question by using "obscure puzzle".

a knotty point

Replaces the whole expression with something very concise. The level of complexity is replaced by the idea of difficult subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a labyrinthine question" to describe a question that is very complex and difficult to understand or answer. For example: "The professor posed "a labyrinthine question" that required hours of research to even begin to answer".

What can I say instead of "a labyrinthine question"?

You can use alternatives like "a complex question", "an intricate inquiry", or "a complicated query" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a labyrinthine question" in formal writing?

Yes, "a labyrinthine question" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to emphasize the deep complexity of the question. However, ensure the context warrants such a sophisticated term; otherwise, simpler alternatives like "a complex question" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a labyrinthine question" and "a complex question"?

"A labyrinthine question" suggests a level of complexity that is not only difficult but also intricate and potentially confusing, like a maze. "A complex question" simply indicates that the question is not simple and involves many parts or aspects.