convoluted wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convoluted wording" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is overly complex or difficult to understand, often making communication less clear. Example: "The report was filled with convoluted wording, making it hard for the audience to grasp the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Following intense lobbying and convoluted wording negotiations, it now appears that "discrimination on the grounds of work and descent" will nonetheless be discussed in Durban.Sceptics have been quick to label the whole idea of a UN conference on racism as a useless exercise.

The Economist

The convoluted wording of the new proposal was seen to be veiling stringent and intrusive controls on trade and finance, keeping Iraq a soup kitchen, albeit a more efficient one.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Random capitalization, misspellings galore, and convoluted word trickery — THAT, my good man, is how you write spam.

TechCrunch

It is also striking that Ben has many of the best lines, easily trumps everyone when it comes to playing a convoluted word game and, at the end, is shown to have a buried, residual goodness.

The Guardian

3. Cut the convoluted words.

Forbes

But just what that question is remains a source of confusion, and not simply because of its long, convoluted and somewhat technical wording that will ask whether voters approve of the bailout proposals offered up by Greece's lenders.

Los Angeles Times

But there are also moments that leave story behind in the service of pure theatricality, using music and dance to convey convoluted emotional states that words – or cinematic montage – would struggle to convey.

The Guardian

In fact, incorporating X or Y, as they are almost always entirely unrelated to the piece, would be convoluted and add 3,000 words to any piece, causing my editor to beat me about the face with her hardback copy of the Guardian's Style Guide, before making me copy a thousand lines of "I will never again submit a novelette as a comment piece".

The Guardian - Opinion

In many cases, one or two words can say the same thing with greater impact than a long, convoluted phrase.

WikiHow

The document, which critics of the plan describe as convoluted and skillfully worded, does not specify any dates for construction or even mention demolition.

The New York Times

The article's wording was typically convoluted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "convoluted wording", ensure you're not simply trying to sound intelligent. Clarity should always be prioritized over complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "convoluted wording" when simpler language will suffice. Overuse can make your writing seem pretentious or confusing to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convoluted wording" functions as a descriptor, specifically an adjective and noun combination, used to characterize language that is unnecessarily complex and difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English and can effectively describe overly complex language.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "convoluted wording" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes language that is unnecessarily complex and difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to critique or highlight the lack of clarity in writing or speech. While its frequency is rare, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. To improve your writing, prioritize clarity over complexity and avoid using "convoluted wording" when simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex phrasing

Replaces "convoluted" with "complex", maintaining the meaning of complicated language but with a simpler adjective.

complicated language

Substitutes both words with simpler alternatives, focusing on the difficulty of understanding the language.

intricate language

Replaces "convoluted" with "intricate", suggesting a more detailed and elaborate complexity.

tortuous phrasing

Uses "tortuous" to emphasize the winding and difficult nature of the language.

obscure language

Highlights the lack of clarity and difficulty in understanding the wording.

unclear phrasing

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the wording, making it difficult to follow.

ambiguous language

Focuses on the multiple possible interpretations of the wording, leading to confusion.

difficult to understand wording

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the difficulty in comprehension.

Byzantine language

Draws a comparison to the complexity and intrigue associated with the Byzantine Empire.

tangled language

Uses "tangled" to illustrate the confusing and interwoven nature of the wording.

FAQs

How can I use "convoluted wording" in a sentence?

You can use "convoluted wording" to describe something that is difficult to understand because it's complex and unnecessarily long. For example: "The contract was filled with "convoluted wording", making it nearly impossible to understand."

What are some alternatives to "convoluted wording"?

Alternatives include "complex phrasing", "complicated language", or "intricate language". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "convoluted wording" a negative term?

Yes, "convoluted wording" typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the language is unnecessarily complex and difficult to understand. It suggests a lack of clarity or deliberate obfuscation.

What's the difference between "convoluted wording" and "complex wording"?

"Complex wording" simply indicates that the language is intricate or detailed. "Convoluted wording", on the other hand, suggests that the complexity is excessive and makes the text difficult to follow. "Convoluted wording" often implies a lack of clarity, while "complex wording" does not necessarily carry that implication.