elaborate setup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate setup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complex or detailed arrangement or system, often in contexts like technology, events, or narratives. Example: "The film's elaborate setup included intricate plot twists and a richly developed backstory that kept the audience engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

But the movie never really justifies its overly elaborate setup.

The New York Times

"If Trump wanted to do something similar, it would be a fairly elaborate setup.

The New Yorker

The confrontation between the captain and his clone involves a fairly intricate elaborate setup.

The New York Times

Alas, our odyssey through a merciless ocean of dunes is but one elaborate setup.

The New York Times - Travel

"Chennai Express" wastes a lot of time with its elaborate setup, full of setbacks and voice-over explanations.

The New York Times

An elaborate setup is no longer necessary, because the phone already envelops us in a cloud of computing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Some have elaborate setups, with resident artists, a stage and a library.

The New York Times

But these experiments, while impressive, require very elaborate setups to crudely stimulate relatively large areas of the brain.

The Guardian - Opinion

What should seem plucky, inventive and charmingly silly -- improbable coincidences, elaborate setups for trifling jokes -- feels at once panicky and stale.

The New York Times

Too many Radio 4 comedy shows feel detached from the person hosting them: overworked scripts and elaborate setups can kill a connection with the listener.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"When I shot Disney's John Carter, you knew where the camera was and there were camera angles and elaborate setups and lighting," he recalls.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex system or plan, use "elaborate setup" to convey the level of detail and intricacy involved. It's particularly useful in technical or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "elaborate setup" when a simpler term like "arrangement" or "plan" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate setup" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "elaborate" modifies the noun "setup". It's used to describe a complex or detailed arrangement, plan, or system, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elaborate setup" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe a complex arrangement or system. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register, suitable for a variety of writing styles. When using "elaborate setup", it's important to ensure the context warrants the level of detail the phrase implies, avoiding overuse in simpler situations. Alternatives like "complex arrangement" or "detailed configuration" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex arrangement

Focuses on the complexity of the arrangement rather than the preparation aspect.

detailed configuration

Emphasizes the specifics and precision of the arrangement.

intricate system

Highlights the interconnected and often complicated nature of the system.

sophisticated design

Conveys a sense of advanced planning and execution.

complex infrastructure

Implies a large-scale, foundational system.

thorough preparation

Stresses the meticulousness of the planning stage.

extensive groundwork

Highlights the foundational work laid before further development.

meticulous planning

Focuses on the careful and precise nature of the planning involved.

comprehensive framework

Suggests a structured and all-encompassing system.

developed system

Stresses how the system has been expanded over time.

FAQs

How can I use "elaborate setup" in a sentence?

You can use "elaborate setup" to describe a complex or detailed arrangement, as in "The heist required an elaborate setup involving multiple teams and precise timing."

What can I say instead of "elaborate setup"?

You can use alternatives like "complex arrangement", "detailed configuration", or "intricate system" depending on the context.

Is "elaborate setup" formal or informal?

"Elaborate setup" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It is commonly found in news articles and technical documentation.

What's the difference between "elaborate setup" and "simple arrangement"?

"Elaborate setup" implies a high degree of complexity and detail, whereas "simple arrangement" suggests a more basic and straightforward configuration.