disentangling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disentangling' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the process of separating or untying complicated or muddled things (like a knot) or complicated ideas. For example, "Legislators are still in the process of disentangling the complicated regulations regarding the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Disentangling the toxic web of claim and counter claim in cases such as this is never going to be easy but not for the first time Uefa seems to have fallen between several stools.

The Guardian - Sport

Disentangling the UK from Brussels, he tells me, would be relatively straightforward: "I would have thought the process wouldn't take more than two years".

The Guardian

For two decades now, Irish people have been going through the difficult, painful but deeply democratic process of disentangling church and state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Disentangling short-term demand from long-term supply is complicated by the fact that the former has a direct effect on the latter.

The Economist

The Mongolian escapade marked the peak of his career, but it was also a dismal failure.Mr Palmer has done a good job in disentangling the myths and horror stories that surround his much-reviled subject.

The Economist

Glen Newton, a software developer in Canada, has done a splendid job of disentangling some of the elements by way of a so-called "Sankey diagram" of Canada's energy flows.

The Economist

Less radical adjustments could help, though: holding all state elections on one day of the year only, as in America; giving Länder the right to opt out of some federal laws; or disentangling the finances to give Länder more power.The commission is expected to sit for about a year.

The Economist

British Steel Corporation was having difficulty disentangling the multiple effects of the tanker drivers' strike, the bad weather in Scotland and the haulage dispute.

The Economist

A 2001 cut in tax on sales of shares let banks and insurance companies, which played big roles as lenders and part-owners, start disentangling themselves from companies.

The Economist

Disentangling the impact of the oil-price fall and that of adopting QE in boosting the euro-zone economy will no doubt be the subject of much earnest research at some stage in the near and probably distant future.

The Economist

Napoleon's biographers have been disentangling the record ever since and few have made as painstaking an effort as Frank McLynn.His biography of Bonaparte was published in Britain five years ago and might have been expected to appear in America much sooner than this had that field not been held by Robert Asprey's recent two-volume biography of Napoleon (Basic Books, 2000-01).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disentangling", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being separated or clarified. For example, "disentangling the impact of policy changes" provides a clear understanding of the subject being analyzed.

Common error

Avoid using "disentangling" when a simpler word like "separating" or "organizing" would suffice. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disentangling" is that of a gerund, acting as a noun. It describes the action of separating, clarifying, or resolving something complex. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disentangling" functions as a gerund, conveying the action of separating or clarifying complex issues. As Ludwig AI states, the term is a correct and usable word in written English and is frequently found in neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Best practices suggest using it when precision is needed to describe separating intertwined elements, while avoiding overuse in simple contexts. Alternative phrases include "untangling", "separating", and "resolving", which may better suit different nuances or levels of complexity. Common mistakes involve using simpler words that don't have the right meaning when the word "disentangling" would be better. Top sources using the term include The Economist, The Guardian and The New York Times, showcasing its prevalence in authoritative media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untangling

A more straightforward synonym, suggesting a simpler process of resolving something.

unraveling

Suggests a process of undoing or revealing the details of something complex.

separating

Focuses on the act of dividing or distinguishing different components.

resolving

Highlights the act of finding a solution or clarification to a complex issue.

deciphering

Implies a process of interpreting or understanding something obscure or complex.

clarifying

Emphasizes making something easier to understand by removing confusion.

distinguishing

Emphasizes the act of recognizing differences between various elements.

extracting

Focuses on removing specific elements from a complex system or situation.

disconnecting

Focuses on severing a connection or relationship between elements.

isolating

Highlights the act of setting something apart from its surroundings or context.

FAQs

How is "disentangling" used in a sentence?

"Disentangling" is used to describe the process of separating or clarifying complex elements. For example, "Scientists are working on disentangling the causes of the disease."

What are some alternatives to "disentangling"?

Alternatives to "disentangling" include "untangling", "separating", "resolving", and "clarifying", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "disentangling" or "unraveling"?

Both "disentangling" and "unraveling" can be used to describe making something clearer. "Disentangling" often refers to separating interconnected elements, while "unraveling" suggests revealing hidden details.

What does it mean to "disentangle church and state"?

To "disentangle church and state" means to separate religious institutions and government functions, ensuring neither unduly influences the other. This concept promotes secular governance.