elaborate tale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate tale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a story that is detailed, complex, or intricately woven, often with rich descriptions and multiple layers. Example: "The author captivated readers with an elaborate tale of adventure and intrigue set in a fantastical world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's an elaborate tale involving amazing skill and strenuous exercise, and she says it's "pretty all true".

The New York Times - Books

So was the idea of "Mr Rabbit" just an elaborate tale in case anyone got close enough to have a look under his tailored three-piece suits?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He spins an elaborate tale, comparing Mr. Rattner to Richard Gere in the movie "Pretty Woman," and his own wife to Julia Roberts.

The New York Times

This elaborate tale of music, murder and espionage is set in 1940 against the backdrop of the Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco Bay.

The New York Times

According to an elaborate tale in the ancient Sanskrit poem "Mahabharata," a demon stole an immortality potion and tried to drink it, but the sun and moon reported him to the god Vishnu.

The Washington Post

Pretending to be confused and a bit simple-minded, she spun the waiting men an elaborate tale, then slipped out of their clutches and took off down the road in her petticoat.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But privately, elaborate tales -- some near truth, some far-fetched -- have festered.

The New York Times

With each house he borrowed from, Mr. Khan created different elaborate tales.

The New York Times - Style

Even the most fantastically elaborate tales need to come from a seed of reality.

The Guardian

She may storm off in a huff or concoct even more elaborate tales to pry open your wallet.

The New York Times

Learning was a continuous process in which older persons instructed children through elaborate tales containing lessons concerning behaviour and values.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elaborate tale" when you want to emphasize the complexity and detail of a story, often one that is creatively constructed or perhaps embellished. It is suitable for contexts where the narrative's artistry or intricacy is a key aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "elaborate tale" when you mean to convey that a story is merely exaggerated or untrue. "Elaborate" suggests intricate detail, while "exaggerated" implies stretching the truth. Ensure the tale's complexity, not just its veracity, justifies the use of "elaborate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate tale" functions as a noun phrase, where "elaborate" modifies the noun "tale". It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., "spin an elaborate tale") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Entertainment

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaborate tale" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a detailed and complex story. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is versatile across different registers, but most frequently appears in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "detailed narrative" or "intricate story" exist, "elaborate tale" specifically emphasizes both the complexity and artistry of the narrative. It's important not to confuse "elaborate" with merely "exaggerated"; the key is the level of detailed construction. Ensure the tale's complexity justifies its use, focusing on artistry rather than veracity. The best writing practice is to use "elaborate tale" to emphasize the intricacy and detail of a story that's creatively constructed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed narrative

Focuses on the level of detail presented in the story, rather than its complexity.

intricate story

Highlights the complex and interwoven nature of the narrative elements.

complex narrative

Emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the story's plot and characters.

detailed account

Implies a thorough and comprehensive description of events.

convoluted story

Suggests a confusing or unnecessarily complicated sequence of events.

fanciful narrative

Indicates a story filled with imagination and creativity, possibly departing from reality.

fabricated story

Highlights the artificiality or made-up nature of the account.

inventive narrative

Stresses the creative and original aspects of the storytelling.

far-fetched story

Implies that the story is unlikely to be true or believable.

imaginative account

Points to the creative and inventive nature of the story being told.

FAQs

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

You can use "elaborate tale" to describe a story that is detailed and complex, such as "The witness spun an elaborate tale of the events leading up to the incident."

What are some alternatives to "elaborate tale"?

Alternatives include "detailed narrative", "intricate story", or "complex narrative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "elaborate tale" in formal writing?

Yes, "elaborate tale" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the detailed and intricate nature of a story or account. However, make sure the complexity is justified and not merely inflated.

What's the difference between "elaborate tale" and "far-fetched story"?

"Elaborate tale" suggests a story that is richly detailed and complex, while "far-fetched story" implies a narrative that is unlikely or unbelievable. The former focuses on detail, the latter on plausibility.