an intricate plot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intricate plot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a story, film, or narrative that has a complex and detailed storyline. Example: "The novel captivated readers with its intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists and deep character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

(Fans say the game offers an intricate plot).

The New York Times

The first series had an intricate plot that came together with a satisfying crunch of revelations and arse-kicking action.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The movie has an intricate plot, with hit men, love interests, large sums of money and allegiances constantly in motion.

The New York Times

With strong characterisation, an intricate plot and enough tension to get the most jaded reader sweating, this is a compelling read.

The Guardian - Books

Another is when a homeless man spews out an intricate plot scenario for a conspiracy-oriented movie in which a box of cereal plays a central part.

The New York Times

There's a danger that the story will disintegrate and the reader won't care enough about the protagonists to follow the twists and redoublings of an intricate plot.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

On the other hand, older children will want a more intricate plot and a tone that treats them like they're not children.

WikiHow

They've devised a clever, intricate plot to combine with a "Pygmalion" tale, in which beauty pageant expert Victor Melling Michael Cainee, delightfully suave and bitchy) has something like 48 hours to transform Gracie, a rabid feminist who dismisses beauty pageant contestants as "a bunch of bikini stuffers," into a plausible last-minute replacement for Miss New Jersey.

Los Angeles Times

The Scandi-noir-esque new series of The Missing zipped through a breathtakingly intricate plot of abduction and war crimes flanked by a story of motherly love and determination.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mann grounds this heady mix with a satisfyingly intricate plot and engaging characters.

The Guardian - Books

Though I thought the book was great, I think it needed more description and a more intricate plot.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a story or film, use "an intricate plot" to convey a sense of complexity and carefully woven narrative threads. This suggests that the story has multiple layers and requires close attention to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "an intricate plot" when describing a simple or straightforward storyline. This can create a sense of exaggeration and make your writing sound unnatural. Instead, opt for simpler terms like "storyline" or "plot".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intricate plot" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the direct object or subject complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the complexity and detail within a narrative or plan. Examples show its use in describing films, books, and even real-world schemes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intricate plot" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe narratives or plans characterized by complexity and multiple interwoven elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the idea of a detailed and carefully constructed storyline, scheme, or undertaking. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the complexity genuinely warrants it. Alternatives like "a complex storyline" or "an elaborate plan" can be used depending on the specific context. Ludwig examples showcase its widespread use in news media, literature, and discussions of entertainment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex storyline

Replaces 'intricate' with 'complex' and 'plot' with 'storyline', focusing on the complexity of the narrative.

a convoluted narrative

Uses 'convoluted' to emphasize the winding and confusing nature of the story, and 'narrative' instead of 'plot'.

a detailed scheme

Replaces 'plot' with 'scheme', suggesting a planned and often secretive undertaking, and 'intricate' with 'detailed'.

an elaborate plan

Uses 'elaborate' to highlight the extensive and well-developed nature of the plan.

a sophisticated design

Emphasizes the refined and advanced nature of the plan or story.

a labyrinthine scheme

Compares the plot to a labyrinth, highlighting its confusing and complex nature.

a tangled web of events

Highlights the interconnected and confusing nature of the events in the plot.

a perplexing puzzle

Uses 'perplexing' to emphasize the puzzling and difficult-to-understand nature of the plot.

a subtle game of deception

Focuses on the hidden and manipulative aspects of the plot.

a masterful strategy

Highlights the skill and expertise involved in creating the plot.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intricate plot" to describe narratives or schemes with many complex and interwoven elements, such as "The movie captivated viewers with its "an intricate plot".".

What are some alternatives to "an intricate plot"?

Alternatives include "a complex storyline", "a convoluted narrative", or "an elaborate plan", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an intricate plot" or "a complicated plot"?

"An intricate plot" emphasizes the detailed and interwoven nature of the storyline, while "a complicated plot" stresses its difficulty to understand. The best choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What makes a plot "intricate"?

A plot is "intricate" when it involves multiple characters, subplots, unexpected twists, and requires careful attention to detail to fully grasp the connections and understand the narrative.