an elaborate system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an elaborate system" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a complex and detailed arrangement or structure, often in contexts related to technology, organization, or processes. Example: "The company implemented an elaborate system for tracking employee performance and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was quite an elaborate system".

The New York Times

Insects have an elaborate system of sense organs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's an elaborate system of denial around him.

The New York Times

Fukuoka's method involved an elaborate system of groundcovers and crop rotation to minimize competition from weeds.

Columbia University

But certainty stops here and the Bill immediately introduces an elaborate system of exceptions.

The Guardian

"With Holland's unspoken approval, I created an elaborate system meant to save his heart," Pearlie says.

The New York Times - Books

Often money is dispensed with entirely and an elaborate system of favors takes its place.

Harvard Business Review

During those two minutes there's an elaborate system of red lights.

The Guardian

Their movements are controlled by an elaborate system of surveillance based on travel documents called papelles.

The New York Times

Waste water was carried off in an elaborate system of underground drains beneath the streets.

Britannica

The Winklevosses came up with an elaborate system to store and secure their own private keys.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system, use "an elaborate system" to emphasize complexity and detail. It works well when the system has multiple interconnected components and requires careful planning.

Common error

Avoid using "an elaborate system" when a simpler term like "system" or "method" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complicated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an elaborate system" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a system characterized by its complexity and detail. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

23%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an elaborate system" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe complex and detailed arrangements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for use in various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. It's essential to use this phrase when you want to highlight the intricate and sophisticated nature of the system being described. However, be mindful of overusing it, as simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember that there are alternatives such as "a complex mechanism" or "a detailed framework" if "an elaborate system" seems too verbose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex mechanism

Replaces "system" with "mechanism", emphasizing the functional aspect of the arrangement.

a detailed framework

Substitutes "elaborate system" with "detailed framework", focusing on the structural aspect and level of detail.

an intricate setup

Uses "intricate setup" to highlight the complexity and careful arrangement of the system.

a sophisticated arrangement

Employs "sophisticated arrangement" to emphasize the refined and advanced nature of the system.

a multifaceted approach

Replaces "system" with "approach", suggesting a method with many aspects.

a comprehensive structure

Uses "comprehensive structure" to stress the thoroughness and completeness of the system.

a well-developed methodology

Highlights the methodological aspect of the system, implying a planned and refined process.

a highly organized plan

Focuses on the planned and structured aspect of the system, emphasizing organization.

a formalized procedure

Emphasizes the official and structured nature of the system, indicating a set of rules or steps.

a convoluted process

Uses "convoluted process" to suggest that the system is unnecessarily complex and difficult to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "an elaborate system" in a sentence?

You can use "an elaborate system" to describe something complex with many parts working together. For example, "The company developed "an elaborate system" for managing its supply chain".

What can I say instead of "an elaborate system"?

You can use alternatives like "a complex mechanism", "a detailed framework", or "an intricate setup" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an elaborate system" or "a elaborate system"?

"An elaborate system" is correct. The indefinite article "an" is used because "elaborate" begins with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an elaborate system" and "a simple system"?

"An elaborate system" refers to a complex and detailed arrangement, while "a simple system" refers to a straightforward and uncomplicated arrangement.