intricate operations

USAGE SUMMARY

'intricate operations' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to very complicated processes or tasks that require a lot of skill and precision. For example, "Engineers are required to carry out intricate operations on the machine for routine maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fixing a child's heart is one the most intricate operations that the NHS performs.

Independent

The Da Vinci robot is the first of its kind to treat children in London and will allow surgeons to carry out more intricate operations.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a look of focused and intense attention - one a surgeon might wear while performing the most intricate operation.

The Guardian - Sport

The keys were rebalanced when the piano was rebuilt recently, Mr. Carhart said, describing an intricate operation that left the piano light and lovely.

The New York Times

A brief lapse in Mr. Giordano's vigilance then gave the investigators the chance to tap into the computer and gain access to his intricate operation and what they needed to dismantle it, law enforcement authorities said.

The New York Times

"It was a very intricate operation due to the fact that you had bodies piled on top of each other, some that were alive and some that had passed away and they were still intertwined," said Capt. James Ellson of the Fire Department.

The New York Times

Prager described an intricate operation: a Giants coach sat in a clubhouse overlooking center field, where, from an open window, he watched the opposing catcher through a telescope and communicated the signs with a buzzer to players in the bullpen, who then signalled to the hitters.

The New Yorker

He explains that the two experiences are the difference between observing someone fly an airplane from a comfortable seat, and knowing what the pilots know — the flight plan, what's on the gauges, the effect of air and atmosphere, the technical details of an intricate operation.

The New Yorker

However, when it comes to sand flies and leishmaniasis, xenodiagnosis is an intricate operation burdened by logistical hurdles and ethical concerns that prevent its effective application for mass screening of widely dispersed communities, particularly in rural regions of underdeveloped countries.

International Journal for Parasitology

He said the selection "was tantamount to asking a young first-year medical student to carry out an intricate operation with a butcher's knife".

Wikipedia

He sees the robot eventually being used to perform intricate medical operations like endovascular surgery, where a patient is operated on through their large blood vessels.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intricate operations" to describe tasks that require a high degree of skill, precision, and attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid using "intricate operations" to describe simple or routine tasks. This phrase should be reserved for situations involving genuine complexity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intricate operations" typically functions as a noun phrase where "intricate" modifies the noun "operations". The adjective highlights the complexity and detailed nature of the operations. Ludwig provides examples showing its use across diverse fields like surgery and manufacturing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intricate operations" is a phrase used to describe complex and detailed processes requiring significant skill and attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing in various contexts like news, science, and wiki sources. When writing, reserve this phrase for tasks that genuinely demand sophistication, and avoid overusing it in simple contexts. Alternatives such as "complex procedures" or "detailed processes" can provide nuanced alternatives. By understanding its appropriate use and context, you can effectively communicate the complexity of tasks in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex procedures

Focuses on the complexity of the processes.

detailed processes

Emphasizes the level of detail involved.

sophisticated actions

Highlights the advanced or refined nature of the actions.

elaborate schemes

Suggests a carefully planned and executed series of actions.

complicated tasks

Emphasizes the difficulty and complexity of the tasks.

involved undertakings

Focuses on the level of engagement and detail required.

finely tuned actions

Highlights the precision and care involved.

precision maneuvers

Emphasizes accuracy and skill in execution.

sensitive activities

Highlights the careful handling required.

specialized interventions

Focuses on the unique expertise needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "intricate operations" to describe complex and detailed processes. For example: "The surgeon performed /s/complex+procedures /s/complex+procedures to repair the damaged tissue."

What are some alternatives to "intricate operations"?

Alternatives include /s/complex+procedures "complex procedures", /s/detailed+processes "detailed processes", or /s/sophisticated+actions "sophisticated actions", depending on the context.

Is "intricate operations" a formal or informal phrase?

"Intricate operations" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts.

What makes certain operations "intricate"?

Operations become "intricate" due to the high level of detail, precision, and expertise required to execute them successfully. It suggests a complexity beyond routine tasks.