intertwine

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "intertwine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word to indicate that two or more things have been connected or combined in some way. For example: "The lives of the two families intertwined over time, eventually leading to a marriage between their children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That, of course, is one reason why efforts to intertwine the private schools more closely with the public sector, which is heavily unionised, are fraught with difficulty.

The Economist

Culture and the community in which a child is raised help to build the way the conscious and unconscious intertwine.

The Economist

But the key to Bayern's big revenues actually comes from its ability to intertwine with corporate titans rather than shun them.

The Economist

It allows the present and the past to intertwine, which is how music works anyway.

The Economist

But that does not mean that the two companies cannot increasingly intertwine.

The Economist

Some are organized as filaments of cells attached end to end; in some species these filaments intertwine into macroscopic, plantlike bodies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A miracle follows their deaths: two trees grow out of their graves and intertwine their branches so that they can not be parted by any means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mexico City is the seat of the federal government, and local and national politics intertwine there like nowhere else in Mexico.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the consequences that flowed from Helmholtz's mathematical analysis was that vortices of an ideal fluid were amazingly stable; they could collide elastically with one another, intertwine to form complex knotlike structures, and undergo tensions and compressions, all without losing their identities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When elephants meet, one may touch the face of the other, or they will intertwine trunks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As for the lavishly illustrated borders, droll episodes of peasant life intertwine with lovingly rendered plants, fruit and flowers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intertwine", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it a complex weaving, a close relationship, or simply a connection? Choose synonyms accordingly to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "intertwine" when a simpler word like "connect" or "link" would suffice. "Intertwine" is best reserved for situations where the connection is complex, intricate, or deeply enmeshed.

Linguistic Context

The verb "intertwine" primarily functions to describe the action of two or more things becoming closely connected or intricately linked. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in the data show it depicting the merging of fates, storylines, and even physical objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intertwine" is a versatile verb used to describe the close connection or intricate linking of two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in various contexts. It is especially common in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, highlighting its applicability across different writing styles. While synonyms such as "interweave", "entangle", and "connect" offer alternative ways to express connection, "intertwine" is best reserved for situations where the relationship is complex and deeply enmeshed. Overusing it in simple connections should be avoided. In conclusion, by understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively use "intertwine" to add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become interwoven

Emphasizes the weaving aspect of connection, suggesting a complex interrelationship.

become linked

A more general term for connection, suitable for various contexts.

become entangled

Highlights a potentially complicated or problematic connection.

connect intimately

Focuses on the closeness and depth of the connection.

develop a connection

Focuses on the process of forming a link or relationship.

become united

Suggests a joining together for a common purpose or goal.

become fused

Implies a very strong, almost inseparable connection.

develop a relationship

Describes the process of people forming a link or partnership.

share common ground

Highlights shared interests, beliefs, or experiences.

cross paths

Describes a chance encounter or brief connection.

FAQs

How can I use "intertwine" in a sentence?

You can use "intertwine" to describe how two or more things are closely connected or twisted together. For example, "Their fates "became intertwined" during the war."

What can I say instead of "intertwine"?

Alternatives include "interweave", "entangle", "connect", or "link", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "intertwine" and "connect"?

"Intertwine" suggests a closer, more complex relationship where things are twisted or woven together, while "connect" is a more general term for any kind of association or joining. For example: "The cables connect the devices", vs "Their lives "intertwined" over many years".

Is it correct to say "intertwine with" or "intertwine and"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Intertwine with" indicates that two or more things become mixed or connected with each other. Whereas "intertwine and" suggests a sequential action, indicating that intertwining is followed by another action.