appears intricate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears intricate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that seems complex or complicated at first glance. Example: "The design of the new software interface appears intricate, but it is actually quite user-friendly once you get the hang of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The menu can appear intricate, if not intimidating– dishes include verbena-cured striped trumpeter with biodynamic sesame oil, and Agrarian Kitchen suckling pig with pickled nectarine, kohlrabi and lovage.

The Guardian - Travel

Photographs of construction and restoration sites as varied as the New York World's Fair, an ancient Chinese palace, and a water tower in England feature latticeworks of scaffolding that, in photographs, appear as intricate as drawings.

The New Yorker

Interactomes obtained by integrating protein interaction data compiled from a variety of experimental techniques appear as intricate webs where each protein can deal with a large number of partners.

BMC Systems Biology

Close up, the sheeny titanium white of the tube wall's textured laminate appears pitted by intricate, rich black erosions: stand further back and they resolve into a frieze of busy figures.

The Guardian - Arts

However the role of endoglucanases during the synthesis of cell wall cellulose appears far more intricate.

BMC Plant Biology

The implication of Smc5/6 in telomere separation is intriguing as Smc5/6 appears to have intricate connections to telomere biology.

Aging

An intricate relationship appears to exist between chromosome folding and gene expression in the mammalian cell nucleus [1], [2].

Plosone

It had appeared that an intricate dance was going on.

The New York Times

Can you smell the sweetness, my baby?" she says, as flowers appear on the intricate bogolan.

The New York Times - Books

As the Hubble Space Telescope has revealed in dramatic fashion, from our point of view on Earth, these nebulae sometimes appear to have intricate structures of interlocking rings and arcs.

BBC

Known for using unconventional materials, Kominos' works appear to be intricate tangles made from a woven basket that were dipped into a churning vat of ceramic slurry.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears intricate" when you want to convey that something seems complex or detailed upon initial observation, even if its actual complexity is yet to be determined. It adds a layer of perception and potential nuance to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "appears intricate" to describe things that are obviously and straightforwardly complex. Reserve it for situations where the complexity is a matter of perception or requires closer inspection. For example, instead of saying "The instructions for assembling the toy appears intricate" when the instructions are simply long, consider saying "The instructions are lengthy and detailed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears intricate" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its perceived complexity or detailed nature. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe things ranging from designs to relationships, emphasizing how they seem complex at first glance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appears intricate" serves to convey that something gives the initial impression of being complex or highly detailed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase itself isn't overly common, it finds usage across various registers, from formal writing and scientific contexts to news articles. When using this expression, remember that it speaks more to the perception of complexity rather than definitively stating that something is complex. Alternatives such as "seems complicated" or "looks complex" can provide similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has an intricate appearance

Highlights the visual, intricate nature.

seems complicated

Focuses on the complexity that is apparent.

looks complex

Highlights the visual complexity.

presents as complex

Similar to "seems complicated", but more formal.

presents a complex picture

Emphasizes the overall complex impression given.

seems elaborate

Highlights the detailed nature.

looks elaborate

Similar to "seems elaborate" but with a visual focus.

gives the impression of complexity

More explicitly describes the impression of complexity.

projects an image of complexity

Focuses on the image or impression conveyed.

seems sophisticated

Implies complexity along with a sense of refinement.

FAQs

How can I use "appears intricate" in a sentence?

You can use "appears intricate" to describe something that gives an initial impression of complexity or detail. For example: "The lacework on the dress appears intricate."

What can I say instead of "appears intricate"?

You can use alternatives like "seems complicated", "looks complex", or "has an intricate appearance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "appears intricate"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the perceived complexity or detail of something, especially upon initial observation. It suggests that further investigation may be needed to fully understand the subject.

What's the difference between "appears intricate" and "is intricate"?

"Appears intricate" suggests a surface-level observation of complexity, whereas "is intricate" implies a confirmed, deeper level of complexity. The former leaves room for the possibility that the complexity is only apparent, not real.