excessively intricate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessively intricate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is overly complicated or detailed, often in a negative context. Example: "The design of the machine was excessively intricate, making it difficult for users to operate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It will take about three paragraphs, because it is excessively intricate for a game that is basically about picking which turquoise Ottoman will work best in the outdoor dining room of a Turkish villa. .

Vice

The processes of astroglia form excessively intricate arborizations, which, by virtue of tiny appendages and membranous expansions (Grosche et al., 1999), provide a tight coverage for a majority of synapses in the CNS, thus forming the tripartite synaptic structure (Araque et al., 1999; Perea et al., 2009).

ASN Neuro

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So not excessively excessive.

BBC

Sleeping excessively.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Drink excessively?

The Guardian

Everyone excessively tidy, excessively generous.

The New Yorker

(Those were intricate times).

The New Yorker

The backstory is intricate.

The New Yorker

It was intricate and exponential.

The New Yorker

The arrangements are quite intricate.

The New York Times - Arts

So were the intricate legs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or designs, use "excessively intricate" to highlight that the complexity hinders usability or understanding. For example, "The user interface was so "excessively intricate" that new users struggled to navigate it effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "excessively intricate" when "complex" or "sophisticated" suffices. Overuse can sound judgmental, especially in technical documentation. Instead, opt for neutral terms to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessively intricate" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as being overly complex or detailed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it describing designs or arborizations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excessively intricate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something as overly complex, often in a negative way. Ludwig AI validates its usability. Although relatively rare in occurrence, it appears in both news/media and scientific contexts, often implying that the complexity hinders understanding or usability. When writing, consider whether simpler alternatives like "overly complicated" or "unnecessarily detailed" might be more appropriate, especially in technical contexts to avoid sounding overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly complicated

Replaces "intricate" with "complicated" and "excessively" with "overly", maintaining the negative connotation of unnecessary complexity.

unduly complex

Substitutes "excessively" with "unduly" and "intricate" with "complex", indicating a degree of complexity that is unwarranted or inappropriate.

needlessly complicated

Emphasizes that the complexity is unnecessary, using "needlessly" in place of "excessively".

unnecessarily detailed

Focuses on the level of detail as being excessive, replacing "intricate" with "detailed" and "excessively" with "unnecessarily".

over-elaborate

A single word alternative that suggests something is excessively detailed or ornamented.

gratuitously complex

Indicates that the complexity is not only unnecessary but also uncalled for or without good reason.

excessively detailed

Maintains "excessively" while replacing "intricate" with "detailed", focusing on the high level of detail.

unduly elaborate

Similar to "unduly complex" but emphasizes the extent of detailed treatment.

overly sophisticated

Suggests the complexity is due to an attempt to be sophisticated, possibly beyond what is required.

unnecessarily convoluted

Implies that the complexity makes something difficult to follow or understand, using "convoluted" in place of "intricate".

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "excessively intricate" in writing?

Use "excessively intricate" when you want to emphasize that something is unnecessarily or inappropriately complex, often leading to difficulty in understanding or use. This phrase carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the complexity is a flaw.

What are some alternative ways to express "excessively intricate"?

Alternatives include "overly complicated", "unduly complex", "needlessly complicated", or "unnecessarily detailed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "excessively intricate" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "excessively intricate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's essential to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In highly formal or technical settings, you may opt for a more neutral term like "complex" or "detailed."

How does "excessively intricate" differ from simply saying "intricate"?

While "intricate" describes something with many complex parts or details, "excessively intricate" implies that the complexity is beyond what is necessary or useful. It suggests that the intricacy is a hindrance rather than an advantage.