difficult to disentangle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to disentangle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or concept that is complex and hard to separate or clarify. Example: "The issues surrounding climate change are often difficult to disentangle, as they involve numerous interrelated factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These errors are subtle and difficult to disentangle.

The Guardian

Those on-street grooming cases that are actually reported are difficult to disentangle from other crimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The give and take of history is very difficult to disentangle.

The Guardian - Opinion

It will be difficult to disentangle damage inflicted by climate change from other natural disasters.

The Guardian

When I think of "America", it's usually difficult to disentangle exactly what I mean by that.

The Guardian - Opinion

One is the meaning, the other is the sound, and it's difficult to disentangle the two.

The Guardian - Books

In the longer term, the roles of poverty and race are difficult to disentangle.

The Economist

Decoding these market signals is no easy task because it is difficult to disentangle correlation from causation.

The New York Times

That will make it more difficult to disentangle the settlements in the event of a peace deal.

The Guardian

And it is very difficult to disentangle what is institution to institution and what is person to person".

The New York Times

In the end it is difficult to disentangle fully what is a genuine motive and what is simply retrospective justification.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult to disentangle" when you want to convey that something is complex and the various elements are hard to separate or distinguish from one another. It's particularly useful when discussing abstract concepts or situations with multiple interconnected factors.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to disentangle" in situations where simpler phrasing like "hard to understand" or "difficult to separate" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving genuine complexity and interconnectedness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to disentangle" functions primarily as an adjective phrase describing a situation or concept that is complex and hard to separate into its constituent parts. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of various elements, making it challenging to analyze them individually. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to disentangle" is a useful tool for describing intricate situations where various elements are closely intertwined and hard to separate. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. When employing the phrase, ensure the context genuinely warrants its use; simpler phrasing might suffice for less complicated situations. Semantically related alternatives, like "hard to separate" or "challenging to unravel", can also be considered to add variety to your writing. Remember that while "difficult to disentangle" is a valid and common expression, it should be used thoughtfully to accurately convey the intended level of complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex to disentangle

This alternative emphasizes the inherent complexity of the situation, making separation challenging.

hard to disentangle

This option uses simpler vocabulary but maintains the core meaning of the original phrase.

difficult to unravel

This suggests a process of carefully examining something to understand or separate it, like untangling threads.

difficult to differentiate

This emphasizes the challenge of distinguishing between two or more things that are closely related or similar.

difficult to identify

Focuses on the challenge of recognizing or distinguishing specific elements within a complex situation.

difficult to determine

Highlights the difficulty in establishing something definitively or with certainty due to intertwined factors.

difficult to detach

This focuses on the challenge of physically or conceptually separating elements that are connected.

difficult to dissociate

Emphasizes the problem in breaking a link between two concepts in your mind.

impossible to disentangle

This phrase indicates a complete inability to separate or resolve the interconnected elements.

difficult to discern

This phrase highlights the problem in perceiving or recognizing something.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to disentangle" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to disentangle" to describe complex situations where it's hard to separate different aspects. For example: "The economic effects of the pandemic are "difficult to disentangle" from pre-existing economic trends."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to disentangle"?

Some alternatives include "hard to separate", "challenging to unravel", or "complex to understand", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "difficult to disentangle"?

Use "difficult to disentangle" when you want to emphasize that something is intricate and composed of elements that are not easily distinguished or separated. It is suited for scenarios that require careful analysis and a nuanced understanding.

Is there a difference between "difficult to disentangle" and "difficult to distinguish"?

While both phrases imply a challenge in differentiating between things, "difficult to disentangle" suggests a more interwoven or interconnected relationship. "Difficult to distinguish" simply means it's hard to see the difference, but the elements might not necessarily be intertwined. Choosing between them depends on how interconnected the elements are.