an intricate network

USAGE SUMMARY

"an intricate network" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but generally refers to a complicated and interconnected system or structure. Example: The company's success was due in part to its use of an intricate network of suppliers, distributors, and retailers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So has New York City, whose water comes from an intricate network of upstate reservoirs.

The New York Times

Within the delta the river breaks up into an intricate network of channels called rivers.

Britannica

Inside the tower an intricate network of passages leads to a central chimney.

University of California, Berkeley

The entire Appalachian system is laced with an intricate network of springs, streams, waterfalls, and rivers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a neurosurgeon, Dr. Simeone lives by an intricate network of standards and procedures.

The New York Times

Scores of islands are connected by innumerable canals (caños), which form an intricate network.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It consisted of an intricate network of slender iron rods sustaining walls of clear glass.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Open-cell foams are solid structures formed by an intricate network of macroporous interconnected channels.

Chemical Engineering Science

In this latter configuration, cells assembled an intricate network of collagen, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid.

Acta Biomaterialia

However, the complexity of ABA-dependent gene expression suggests that ABA functions through an intricate network.

Developmental Cell

It is a city built on an intricate network of elevated bridges and submerged tunnels, aerial walkways and suspended passages.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intricate network" when you want to convey not only that something is complex but also that its components are closely interconnected and interdependent.

Common error

Avoid using "an intricate network" as a default descriptor for any system. Ensure the complexity and interconnectedness are genuinely present and significant. Overuse can weaken your writing and make it sound formulaic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intricate network" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It acts as a descriptive term, characterizing the complexity and interconnectedness of a system or structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intricate network" is a versatile phrase used to describe systems or structures characterized by complexity and interconnectedness. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the complexity and interdependent nature of the system you're describing. Consider synonyms like "a complex system" or "an elaborate structure" to add variety to your writing. Be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding formulaic and, for the same purpose, remember that the best alternatives could change based on the specific context you are writing about. Remember, while Ludwig confirms the validity of the phrase, its effectiveness relies on its appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex system

Replaces "intricate" with "complex" emphasizing the complicated nature of the network.

an interconnected structure

Focuses on the interconnectedness of the elements within the structure, replacing "intricate" with "interconnected".

a sophisticated framework

Uses "sophisticated framework" instead of "intricate network", highlighting the advanced and well-designed nature of the system.

an elaborate structure

Substitutes "intricate network" with "elaborate structure", focusing on the detailed and carefully constructed arrangement.

a multifaceted web

Replaces "network" with "web" and "intricate" with "multifaceted", suggesting many interconnected aspects.

an interwoven pattern

Replaces "network" with "pattern" and "intricate" with "interwoven", highlighting the interconnected and complex nature of the arrangement.

a detailed infrastructure

Uses "detailed infrastructure" to emphasize the thoroughness and complexity of the underlying support system.

a tangled arrangement

Emphasizes the potentially confusing or disordered aspect of the network by using "tangled arrangement".

a convoluted system

Highlights the complex and potentially difficult-to-understand nature of the system using "convoluted".

a labyrinthine design

Emphasizes the complexity and maze-like quality of the design, suggesting a difficult-to-navigate system.

FAQs

How can I use "an intricate network" in a sentence?

You can use "an intricate network" to describe something complex with many interconnected parts. For example: "The city's transportation system is an intricate network of buses, trains, and subways."

What are some synonyms for "an intricate network"?

Alternatives include "a complex system", "an elaborate structure", or "a multifaceted web" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "intricate network" to describe something simple?

While grammatically correct, using "an intricate network" to describe something simple would be misleading. The phrase implies a high degree of complexity and interconnectedness.

What's the difference between "an intricate network" and "a simple network"?

"An intricate network" suggests a complex, multifaceted system with many interconnected components, while "a simple network" implies a straightforward system with few components and connections.