convoluted process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convoluted process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to refer to a process that is very complicated and confusing. For example: "The tax code is a convoluted process that many people find difficult to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For Netanyahu, negotiations with Syria offer more tangible benefits than the convoluted process with the Palestinian Authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was quite a long, convoluted process, a bit like turning around a liner across the ocean.

The Guardian - Film

Following a convoluted process West Ham were given a 99-year lease to become the stadium's anchor tenant.

The Guardian - Sport

The police have occasionally confronted some troublemakers, and in rare instances the Housing Authority has moved to evict tenants, a long, convoluted process.

The New York Times

She argues that the only acceptable punishment for priests who have abused young people is formal defrocking, however belated.Defrocking is a long, convoluted process, and the Vatican is most reluctant to lose priestsBut defrocking is a long, convoluted process, and the Vatican though it does not have to approve each case is most reluctant to lose priests.

The Economist

"As the only new Olympic sport on today's shortlist, we believed squash offered something for the future and I still hope that our inclusion may still be possible," said Ramachandran, who refused to criticise the convoluted process.

The Guardian - Sport

This convoluted process is good at making student-loan companies rich — Sallie Mae, the biggest issuer of student loans, earned $1.3 billion last year, with a return on equity that dwarfs most other companies'.

The New Yorker

Today was no different," said the 24-year-old, who was born in Australia and arrived in the UK aged 14 but only gained British citizenship in 2012 following a convoluted process.

The Guardian - Sport

Reagan proudly reveals to his diary the idea of "a highly secret convoluted process that sees Israel freeing some 20 Hizballahs who aren't really guilty of any blood letting.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Trade associations ­provide vital "know how" for navigating the vast, and often convoluted processes required to craft legislation, influence regulators and their respective agencies, and forge coalitions with likeminded and seemingly unique bedfellows.

TechCrunch

Beyond a broader focus on holistic office needs, Bizzy is also targeting companies that — right now — have convoluted processes for buying for the office by offering a streamlined flow for getting items approved and bought quicker.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "convoluted process", provide specific examples of the steps or elements that make it complex. This adds clarity and helps your audience understand the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using "convoluted process" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "complicated procedure" or "intricate system" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convoluted process" functions as a noun phrase, where 'convoluted' modifies 'process'. It describes a process characterized by complexity and difficulty, often implying unnecessary complication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "convoluted process" accurately describes a complex and confusing procedure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. While "convoluted process" is widely used, it's often associated with negative connotations, implying unnecessary complexity. Consider using synonyms such as "complicated procedure" or "intricate system" to add variety and possibly reduce the negative undertones. The analysis shows that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources and is considered to be of neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated procedure

Replaces "process" with "procedure", maintaining the core meaning of a complex series of steps.

intricate system

Substitutes "process" with "system", suggesting a more structured but still complex arrangement.

complex mechanism

Uses "mechanism" instead of "process", implying a functional but possibly difficult to understand set of operations.

tortuous procedure

Replaces "convoluted" with "tortuous", emphasizing the difficulty and unpleasantness of the process.

byzantine method

Uses "byzantine" to highlight the excessive complexity and secretiveness of the method.

labyrinthine process

Employs "labyrinthine" to suggest a process that is confusing and full of dead ends.

tangled web

This metaphor changes the structure, describing something as a confusing network.

roundabout way

Indicates a process that is not direct or straightforward, often unnecessarily complex.

complex chain of events

Focuses on the sequential nature of the complexity, highlighting the interconnectedness of multiple events.

overcomplicated system

Uses "overcomplicated" to stress that the system is excessively complex, beyond what is necessary.

FAQs

How can I describe a "convoluted process" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases such as "complicated process", "complex procedure", or "intricate method" to convey a similar meaning with potentially less negative connotations.

What makes a process "convoluted"?

A process is considered "convoluted" when it involves unnecessary steps, lacks clear direction, and is difficult to understand or navigate. It often implies confusion and inefficiency.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "convoluted process"?

Yes, describing something as a "convoluted process" generally carries a negative connotation. It suggests that the process is unnecessarily complex and inefficient. Consider alternatives if you want to avoid this negative implication.

Which is a more appropriate phrase, "complicated process" or "convoluted process"?

While both "complicated process" and "convoluted process" describe something complex, "convoluted process" suggests a higher degree of unnecessary complexity and confusion. If the process is simply complex but well-structured, "complicated process" might be more appropriate. If the process is confusing and inefficient use "convoluted process".