a tangle of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tangle of" is a correct and usable English phrase.
You can use it to describe a complicated grouping of objects, ideas, or people. For example, "The new government bill was a tangle of regulations and taxes that many constituents found difficult to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There follows a tangle of misunderstandings.

The Guardian - Books

But underneath lay a tangle of subtext.

The New York Times - Magazine

The ending is a tangle of violence.

The New York Times - Books

It was no doubt a tangle of triggers.

The New York Times

His office remained a tangle of crumpled metal and mud.

The New York Times

His policies led to a tangle of expensive legal challenges.

The New York Times

Like this, he foresaw only a tangle of complications.

The New Yorker

Both will lose from a tangle of regional deals.

The Economist

The meatpacking district is a tangle of new velvet ropes.

The New York Times

Life has become a tangle of psychological double binds.

The New York Times

A tangle of radish kimchi came larded with fresh oysters.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tangle of", consider the connotations. It often suggests something is difficult to navigate or resolve, so choose it when that's the intended meaning.

Common error

While "a tangle of" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in highly formal or business writing can make your language seem less precise. Consider alternatives like "a complex network of" or "a complicated array of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"A tangle of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, typically acting as a determiner or pre-modifier to a noun. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used to describe something complicated and disorderly. It sets a tone of complexity and disarray.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tangle of" is a common and correct English phrase used to describe something complex, confused, or disorderly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources, making it suitable for both neutral and slightly more formal writing. When aiming for precision in highly formal contexts, consider more specific alternatives. Remember that "a tangle of" vividly portrays complexity and potential difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a jumble of

Emphasizes a disordered mix, slightly more chaotic than "a tangle of".

a mess of

Implies untidiness and disorganization, often with negative connotations.

a web of

Suggests interconnectedness and complexity, like a spider's web.

a knot of

Focuses on a tight, complicated gathering or cluster.

a heap of

Indicates a pile or accumulation, emphasizing quantity more than complexity.

a cluster of

Highlights a group or collection, without necessarily implying disorder.

a confusion of

Focuses on the mental state of being bewildered or unclear.

a patchwork of

Suggests a combination of disparate elements, creating a varied but unified whole.

a complex of

Indicates a group of related things or ideas that form a complex whole.

an assortment of

Highlights a variety of different items or elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a tangle of" in a sentence?

"A tangle of" is used to describe a complicated or confused mass of something, whether physical objects, ideas, or emotions. For example, "The garden was a tangle of weeds and overgrown plants" or "His explanation was a tangle of technical jargon that nobody understood".

What phrases are similar to "a tangle of"?

Alternatives to "a tangle of" include "a jumble of", "a mess of", "a web of", or "a cluster of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a tangle of" in formal writing?

While "a tangle of" is widely understood and grammatically correct, it might be perceived as too informal in some contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise or technical alternatives, such as "a complex system of" or "a convoluted series of".

What's the difference between "a tangle of" and "a maze of"?

"A tangle of" suggests a confused and disordered mass, while "a maze of" implies a complex and intricate network of paths or passages. A maze has a structure, albeit a confusing one, whereas a tangle is more chaotic and unstructured.