intricate problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"intricate problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to something difficult and complicated. Example sentence: She was trying to solve the intricate problem of reconciling her work and personal life.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Modern scholars recognized, however, that such an analysis is an oversimplification of an intricate problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And there remains the intricate problem of developing relevant measurements of the effects of different contents upon different reactors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The company's patent woes, though, are merely a backdrop to the more intricate problem of Propecia's pricing.

The New York Times

Listening to Adams's music, I pictured Stravinsky in a hut at Los Alamos, working away on an intricate problem of seemingly tangential yet ultimately crucial significance.

The New Yorker

At shorter wavelengths, however, the LTE approximation usually taken in such models fails, which makes a reconstruction of the solar UV irradiance a rather intricate problem.

Advances in Space Research

The obtained results illustrate the accuracy of the proposed method, suggesting that integrated Artificial Intelligence techniques are useful tools to solve such an intricate problem.

Expert Systems with Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We need not bother with the intricate problems of state law involved in the dispute.

Cornell University

The designing of a much more complicated device, such as a space suit, presents more intricate problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As it is, the federal government has limited constitutional authority and ever more intricate problems to manage.

The New York Times

Computing the optimal geometric structure of manipulators is one of the most intricate problems in contemporary robot kinematics.

Journal of Advanced Research

Some colleagues referred to him as a genius; he could attend to engineering obstacles with extreme focus, and was able to visualize simple solutions for intricate problems.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a problem as "intricate", provide specific details to illustrate its complexity, helping your audience understand the depth of the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "intricate" as a generic descriptor. Ensure the problem genuinely warrants the label by having multiple interconnected parts or hidden complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intricate problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "intricate" modifies the noun "problem". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to describe situations that require careful and detailed analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intricate problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a complex and challenging issue. According to Ludwig AI, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English. The usage is most common in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating its relevance in discussing sophisticated topics. While alternatives like "complex challenge" or "complicated issue" exist, "intricate problem" specifically emphasizes the interwoven details and nuances that make the problem difficult to solve. When using the phrase, ensure you provide enough context to illustrate the depth of the problem's complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex challenge

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the problem, emphasizing the difficulty involved.

complicated issue

Highlights the convoluted and complex nature of the problem.

difficult situation

Emphasizes the troublesome aspects and adverse circumstances.

knotty question

Uses a metaphor to describe the problem as tangled and hard to untangle.

thorny matter

Implies the problem is sensitive and potentially causes conflict.

convoluted matter

Emphasizes the problem is twisted and difficult to follow or understand.

challenging puzzle

Presents the problem as a puzzle that requires effort and skill to solve.

complex conundrum

Uses a more formal term for a riddle or difficult question, increasing the problem's sophistication.

elaborate difficulty

Highlights the detailed and complex nature of the difficulty.

sensitive issue

Highlights the delicate and potentially controversial nature of the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "intricate problem" to describe a complex issue that requires careful analysis and a nuanced approach. For example: "Solving climate change is an "intricate problem" that demands global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "intricate problem"?

Some alternatives include "complex challenge", "complicated issue", or "difficult situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "intricate problem" or "complex problem"?

"Intricate problem" and "complex problem" are similar, but "intricate" emphasizes the interwoven and detailed nature of the problem, while "complex" simply highlights its multifaceted nature. They can often be used interchangeably, but "intricate" might be more appropriate when the problem's details are essential.

What makes a problem "intricate"?

An intricate problem involves many interconnected parts, hidden layers, or subtle dependencies. Solving it requires a detailed understanding of these elements and their interactions.