convoluted argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convoluted argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an argument that is complex, intricate, or difficult to follow, often implying that it lacks clarity or straightforwardness. Example: "The author's convoluted argument made it challenging for readers to grasp the main point of the article."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It's a very convoluted argument.

The New York Times

How's this for a convoluted argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a very distorted, convoluted argument that says if poor families leave public schools it will destroy the system," Mr. Fuller said.

The New York Times

Foster's lethally earnest style is anything but sexy, and his convoluted argument often takes maddening turns, but his research shows real archival flair.

The New York Times

But he drew a convoluted argument about Mr. Hussein's ties to Al Qaeda and suggested in closing that he was not telling all he knew because he did not want to reveal top secrets.

The New York Times

And even the giraffes stop being funny when you realize two things: that the line is part of a convoluted argument about women's unsuitability for certain roles in the military — that is, that these musings have some policy content — and that Gingrich is suddenly making what looks like a real run in the Republican primaries.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Now he was talking about the artist and society, and he was using phrases I remembered from interviews with him I had read in The Saturday Review of Literature, a magazine I felt I'd outgrown since discovering the fancy prose and convoluted arguments of Partisan Review, which I had just started buying at the newsstand on Hollywood Boulevard.

The New Yorker

Those who oppose Murray's conclusions will undoubtedly consider them "simplistic," since elaborate and even convoluted arguments are considered signs of sophistication, rather than desperate expedients to try to salvage a position contrary to plain facts and plain logic.

Forbes

Despite the often opaque and convoluted arguments this week, the legal issues don't strike me as all that complicated.

The New York Times

It is doubtful whether even a hundred people in Israel or worldwide are sufficiently familiar with all the intricate details of the incident to be able to follow the convoluted arguments by the report's authors.

The New York Times

Stanley is amusing as a lovable goof-sleuth, but the real fun lies in watching him try to talk himself out of a jam, whether it's in convoluted arguments with his wife ("a master of sarcasm and irony" in "the art of mortal conversation") or debates with his friend Sergeant MacAullif, who shreds his points of logic the way a dog demolishes a slipper.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether a simpler, more direct phrasing could replace the "convoluted argument". Clarity is often more persuasive than complexity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "convoluted argument" is necessarily a sign of intelligence or deep thought. Sometimes, convolution is simply a result of unclear thinking or poor communication. Do not be afraid of simplifying it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convoluted argument" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "convoluted" modifies the noun "argument". It typically serves to describe or characterize a particular line of reasoning, often in a critical or evaluative manner. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "convoluted argument" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a line of reasoning that is complex, intricate, and often unnecessarily difficult to follow. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. When using "convoluted argument", it's crucial to pinpoint specific issues such as circular logic or irrelevant details. Alternatives like "complex reasoning" or "intricate line of reasoning" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember that while complexity can be necessary for nuanced topics, a "convoluted argument" should be critically assessed for clarity and validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex reasoning

Focuses on the complexity of the reasoning, omitting the negative connotation of being unnecessarily difficult.

intricate line of reasoning

Emphasizes the detailed and interwoven nature of the reasoning.

tortuous explanation

Highlights the winding and potentially misleading nature of the explanation.

Byzantine rationale

Draws a parallel to the complexity and intrigue associated with the Byzantine Empire, suggesting a deliberately obscured rationale.

muddled justification

Suggests the justification is unclear and confused.

tangled web of logic

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the complicated and confusing nature of the logic.

obscure reasoning

Highlights the lack of clarity and transparency in the reasoning.

impenetrable argument

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or making sense of the argument.

difficult to follow argument

Focuses on the challenge the listener or reader faces in understanding the argument.

roundabout explanation

Indicates that the explanation does not get to the point directly.

FAQs

What does "convoluted argument" mean?

A "convoluted argument" is one that is complex, intricate, and often unnecessarily difficult to follow. It typically involves many interconnected ideas or steps that can be confusing or hard to understand.

How can I identify a "convoluted argument"?

You can identify a "convoluted argument" by looking for excessive jargon, circular reasoning, irrelevant details, and a general lack of clarity in the presentation of ideas.

What are some alternatives to saying "convoluted argument"?

Some alternatives include "complex reasoning", "intricate line of reasoning", or "difficult to follow argument", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always bad to have a "convoluted argument"?

While clarity is generally preferred, sometimes a complex topic requires a detailed and nuanced approach. However, a "convoluted argument" should always be examined critically to ensure that the complexity is necessary and not simply obscuring weak reasoning.