intricate relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intricate relationship" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an understanding or dynamic between two or more entities that is complex and difficult to comprehend. For example, "The intricate relationship between Canada and the US has resulted in a strong bond between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather than having to establish the intricate relationship between Capt.

The New York Times

"Shakira said she has an intricate relationship with football (yesterday's Bits and Bobs) – how so?

The Guardian - Sport

Metabolic syndrome, it seems, hinges on an intricate relationship between food, bacteria and genetics.

The Economist

The intricate relationship between photocatalyst characteristics and its performance is highlighted.

Chemical Engineering Science

Biorobots have enabled scientists to understand intricate relationship between animals and environment.

Omics Technologies and Bio-Engineering Towards Improving Quality of Life

This adds further complexity to the intricate relationship between pathogen and host.

International Journal of Medical Microbiology

There is an intricate relationship between the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the project: each mirrors without repeating the other.

The New York Times - Arts

We can't help feeling that he has failed to display the statesman's grasp of the essentials of an intricate relationship.

The New Yorker

His McCaskill trilogy dissects the intricate relationship between a landscape — Montana's Two Medicine country — and its colonizers.

The New York Times - Books

We focus on the intricate relationship between two arguably central aspects of validation in IR, namely authenticity and plausibility.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

The intricate relationship between "high finance, economy and art" is the subject of the Palazzo Strozzi show.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intricate relationship", ensure that the entities involved and the nature of their connection are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "intricate relationship" when a simpler term like "connection" or "association" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intricate relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where "intricate" modifies the noun "relationship". It describes a connection or association that is complex and not easily understood. Ludwig AI highlights its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intricate relationship" is a commonly used term to describe a complex and multifaceted connection between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across various domains, particularly in science, news media, and academia. While the term itself is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring the described connection genuinely warrants the descriptor. Alternatives like "complex connection" or "sophisticated interplay" may be more suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember, clarity and precision are key, even when dealing with complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex connection

Focuses on the complexity of the connection without emphasizing the difficulty in understanding it.

complex dynamic

Highlights the changing nature and interplay of forces within a relationship.

sophisticated interplay

Emphasizes the interaction between different parts of a system, suggesting a high level of complexity.

delicate balance

Implies a relationship that is easily disrupted and requires careful management.

nuanced interaction

Emphasizes the subtle and often difficult-to-discern aspects of the relationship.

close interdependence

Highlights the mutual reliance between elements in the relationship.

elaborate network

Focuses on the structure of interconnected components, implying complexity.

interwoven connection

Highlights the intertwined nature of the relationship, suggesting a strong bond.

intertwined connection

Highlights the intertwined nature of the relationship, suggesting a strong bond.

tortuous link

Suggests a connection that is winding and difficult to follow or understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "intricate relationship" to describe a complex connection between two or more things. For example, "The study explores the "intricate relationship" between diet and mental health".

What is a good alternative to "intricate relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "complex connection", "delicate balance", or "sophisticated interplay".

What makes a relationship "intricate"?

A relationship is considered "intricate" when it involves many interconnected parts or factors that are not easily understood or explained. It suggests a high degree of complexity and nuance.

Is "intricate relationship" a formal or informal phrase?

"Intricate relationship" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in academic, scientific, or journalistic writing due to its descriptive and analytical nature.