intricate matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intricate matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a complex or detailed issue that requires careful consideration or understanding. Example: "The negotiations surrounding the treaty were an intricate matter that involved multiple stakeholders and varying interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Jacobson and Glazer's take on identity politics — and their characters' well-intentioned but barely informed fourth-wave, queerish, anti-rape/pro-porn intersectional feminism — is a more intricate matter, both a part of the show's philosophy and a subject of its satire.

The New Yorker

(That simple connectivity of a domain in the plane implies homeomorphism to the plane [or the disc] can be shown directly, cf. Theorem 6.4, p. 149 in [5] but it is a delicate and intricate matter).

Complex Analysis and its Synergies

Besides the institutional reply given by Jennifer Kyne from the above-mentioned agency [2], I believe a discussion should develop around the intricate matter of CM's classification, especially if such medical condition is considered separately from a rapidly expanding pathology such as medication overuse headache (MOH) [3 6].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

But ads, as opposed to magazine spreads and covers, appear to be a more intricate matter.

Huffington Post

This is a view that anticipates the explosion of mind, when all the intricate matter of consciousness becomes reified, the content of 'illusory contours' and we see again broader cultural coherence, though this time very much anchored in accelerating technologies".

Vice

We investigated some aspects of this intricate matter by sounding out the supposed relationship between BRCA1 and XIST expression/localisation and by assessing the nuclear XIST behaviour in breast cancer cells.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Some of the brightest minds in the industry can translate any intricate subject matter into words that would be understood by a nine-year-old child.

Huffington Post

Harari swashbuckles through these vast and intricate matters in a way that is – at its best – engaging and informative.

The Guardian - Books

Before small groups this fall and winter, Gore has displayed a mastery of intricate matters, a knack for explaining them and an agile sense of humor.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cliff is good too at such mundane but intricate matters as shipbuilding, royal protocols and the hazards of trade, all of which he documents by well-chosen citations from travel accounts, official papers and personal correspondence.

The New York Times

There, an assembly of the adult male citizenry (a minority of the population, since women and slaves were excluded) voted on, for example, even intricate matters of foreign policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "intricate matter" to convey a sense of deep complexity that requires careful analysis. For example, use the phrase in the context of philosophy, law, or advanced scientific theories to make the complex aspects more vivid for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "intricate matter" when a simpler term like "issue" or "topic" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated language in straightforward situations can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intricate matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing topics requiring careful consideration or analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intricate matter" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something that is complex and requires careful analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and notes its prevalence in science and news media. While the phrase is accurate, remember to use it when simpler terms like "topic" or "issue" would be less appropriate, as suggested in the writing guidance. Its semantic alternatives include "complex issue", "delicate subject" and "thorny problem". It's best suited for formal or academic contexts, avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex issue

Replaces "intricate" with a more common synonym, focusing on the complexity of the matter.

complex problem

Replaces "intricate" with "complex" and "matter" with "problem" to denote the difficult nature of the matter.

complicated situation

Shifts from "matter" to "situation", emphasizing the complexity of circumstances.

delicate subject

Emphasizes the sensitivity and potential difficulty associated with the topic.

thorny problem

Implies a problem that is difficult to resolve due to its complexity.

sensitive issue

Highlights the potential for controversy or emotional response related to the matter.

difficult question

Focuses on the challenge involved in answering or addressing the matter.

convoluted affair

Highlights the complicated and confusing nature of the matter.

sensitive area

Highlights that the matter needs to be handled with care.

challenging topic

Highlights that the matter is not easily understood or dealt with.

FAQs

How can I use "intricate matter" in a sentence?

You can use "intricate matter" to describe something complex and detailed. For example: "Understanding quantum physics is an "intricate matter"." Consider replacing it with "complex issue" if the complexity doesn't require a sense of deep involvement.

What phrases are similar to "intricate matter"?

Similar phrases include "complex problem", "complicated situation", or "delicate subject". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intricate matter" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "intricate matter" is more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "complex thing" or "complicated issue".

What's the difference between "intricate matter" and "complex issue"?

"Intricate matter" suggests a high degree of detail and interconnectedness, often requiring careful study or analysis. "Complex issue" simply implies that something is not easy to understand or resolve. Therefore "intricate matter" is more appropriate when something is hard to grasp and has a lot of interdependencies.