enmeshed in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enmeshed in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is deeply involved or entangled in something, often with a negative connotation. Example: "She felt enmeshed in the complicated family dynamics that made it difficult to express her own feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Architect of liberty, but enmeshed in slavery.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, we are deeply enmeshed in both.

Independent

Mr Najib is enmeshed in scandal himself.

The Economist

"Enmeshed in a matrix of compromised morality".

Independent

But now we're enmeshed in ambiguity.

The New York Times

David:  I'm not exactly enmeshed in the gun culture.

The New York Times

The deal is inextricably enmeshed in Middle East tensions.

The New Yorker

But Magee is still enmeshed in the program's tradition.

The New York Times - Sports

But then the refugees became enmeshed in the Brotherhood's downfall.

The New York Times

They wanted to be enmeshed in a tight community.

The New York Times

Still, Canadians were deeply enmeshed in the war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "involved in" or "entangled in" if the nuance of deep entanglement isn't central to your meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "enmeshed in" when a simpler term like "involved in" would suffice. Overusing "enmeshed in" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enmeshed in" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being deeply involved or entangled. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often conveys a sense of complexity or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enmeshed in" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of deep involvement or entanglement, often with connotations of complexity or difficulty. As indicated by Ludwig, this grammatically correct phrase is "very common" across various contexts, but is most frequently found in news and media. When writing, use "enmeshed in" to emphasize the intricate or challenging nature of a situation, while being mindful not to overuse it in simpler contexts where alternatives like "involved in" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entangled in

Focuses on the complexity and difficulty of extricating oneself from a situation.

involved in

Suggests participation or connection without necessarily implying entrapment.

caught up in

Implies being unexpectedly or unintentionally drawn into a situation.

embroiled in

Highlights the contentious or problematic nature of the involvement.

immersed in

Indicates a deep and absorbing involvement, often voluntary.

mired in

Suggests being trapped or bogged down in a difficult or unpleasant situation.

bound up in

Implies an inextricable connection or relationship.

intertwined with

Focuses on the close and complex connection between different elements.

linked to

Suggests a connection or association, often in a less intense way than "enmeshed in".

associated with

Indicates a connection or relationship, but may not imply deep involvement.

FAQs

How is "enmeshed in" different from "involved in"?

"Enmeshed in" implies a deeper level of entanglement and complexity compared to ""involved in"". "Enmeshed in" often suggests a situation that is difficult to escape, whereas "involved in" simply indicates participation or connection.

What are some alternatives to "enmeshed in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""entangled in"", "caught up in", "embroiled in", or "immersed in". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "enmeshed in" in formal writing?

Yes, "enmeshed in" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing complex situations or intricate relationships. However, ensure the context warrants the intensity of the term and consider whether a simpler alternative would be more effective.

Can "enmeshed in" have positive connotations?

While "enmeshed in" often carries a negative connotation of being trapped or entangled in something undesirable, it can occasionally have a neutral or even positive connotation when describing a deep, immersive involvement, such as being "enmeshed in" a vibrant community.