disentangle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disentangle' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the process of removing something that has become entangled, snarled, or complicated. For example, "The rescue team worked quickly to disentangle the dog from the fence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's rarely that easy, any more than the resigner's complex motives are to disentangle.

The Guardian

It's not surprising, therefore, that it's taken a long time to completely disentangle the GAA from violent republicanism.

The Guardian

Bagenstos said it was difficult to disentangle the "dark history" of interrogation by Chicago and other law enforcement agencies from a post-9/11 militarization of domestic policework to trace the origins of the disquieting Homan Square allegations.

The Guardian

"For us to disentangle the persecution incidents from the rest is nigh on impossible without a body".

The Guardian

Let's disentangle this complexity.

The Guardian

Moreover, given that all these reforms have come to life within a few years of each other, it is hard to disentangle their effects.

The Economist

Broker-dealers can earn money simply by collecting the spread between bids and offers, although it is very hard to disentangle those sorts of trading profits from proprietary decisions when looking at income statements.

The Economist

They are not keen on rococo corporate structures (cross-shareholdings between units based in assorted offshore jurisdictions, say) which mere mortals can scarcely understand, let alone disentangle in a crisis.

The Economist

A CDU-led coalition might push through a constitutional amendment to disentangle the powers of federal and state governments.

The Economist

It is hard to disentangle the effect of any single crime-fighting technique.

The Economist

Policymakers will not be keen to disentangle CBT from the vast NHS machinery, nor to write off years spent training new therapists.CBT is no panacea, and psychoanalysis has been shown to be better in treating illnesses like eating disorders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disentangle" when you want to convey the idea of carefully separating or resolving something complex or confused. It's particularly effective when dealing with abstract concepts like emotions, arguments, or intricate systems.

Common error

Avoid using "disentangle" when a simpler verb like 'separate' or 'divide' would suffice. "Disentangle" is most appropriate when the elements are intricately intertwined or conceptually muddled.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disentangle" is as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It describes the action of carefully separating or resolving something complex. As Ludwig AI points out, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "disentangle" is a powerful tool for describing the process of separating or resolving something complex and intertwined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Remember to use "disentangle" when you want to emphasize the effort and methodical approach required to clarify confusion, and avoid using it when a simpler term like "separate" would suffice. By using the alternatives like "untangle", "resolve", or "clarify" allows you to fine-tune your expression to the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untangle

Is a direct synonym, emphasizing the removal of knots or complications.

unravel

Focuses on resolving complexity by revealing underlying elements.

extricate

Highlights the act of freeing someone or something from a difficult situation.

resolve

Emphasizes the solution or clarification of a problem or issue.

clarify

Concentrates on making something easier to understand, often by removing ambiguities.

sort out

Suggests organizing or resolving a confused or problematic situation.

separate

Stresses the act of dividing or distinguishing elements from a whole.

clear up

Implies making something more understandable or resolving a misunderstanding.

distinguish

Focuses on recognizing or pointing out differences between things.

decode

Focuses on interpreting or understanding something complex or encoded.

FAQs

How to use "disentangle" in a sentence?

You can use "disentangle" to describe the process of separating intertwined threads or resolving complex situations. For instance, "The detective tried to disentangle the truth from the web of lies."

What can I say instead of "disentangle"?

You can use alternatives like "untangle", "resolve", or "clarify" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "disentangle the problem" or "solve the problem"?

"Disentangle the problem" is used when the problem is complex and requires careful separation of different aspects. "Solve the problem" is more general and applies when you find a direct solution.

What's the difference between "disentangle" and "separate"?

"Disentangle" implies a more intricate process of separation than "separate". "Disentangle" is used when elements are closely intertwined, while "separate" is a more general term for dividing things.