mildly convoluted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mildly convoluted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat complex or intricate, but not overwhelmingly so. Example: "The explanation was mildly convoluted, making it difficult for some readers to grasp the main idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Remember "convoluted"?

The New York Times

The nomenclature is convoluted.

The New Yorker

It's convoluted.

The Guardian

I know this is convoluted.

The New York Times

Are the rules convoluted?

The New York Times - Sports

"It's so convoluted".

The New Yorker

These deals were really convoluted".

The New Yorker

It's very convoluted".

The Guardian - Film

The story has been convoluted.

The New York Times

Sure, it's convoluted and sneaky.

The New York Times

"It's so convoluted," Mr. Lucio said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mildly convoluted" when you want to downplay the complexity of something, suggesting it's not overwhelmingly difficult but still requires some attention to understand. This softening effect makes it suitable for sensitive situations or when addressing a less technical audience.

Common error

Avoid using "mildly convoluted" excessively as a means to evade directness. While it softens the description, overuse can dilute the message and make your writing appear indecisive. In situations where clarity is paramount, consider more direct terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mildly convoluted" functions as an adverb-adjective combination. It modifies a noun by describing its complexity in a gentle, understated way. Ludwig shows that it is used to soften the description of something that may be difficult to grasp.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mildly convoluted" is a useful phrase for describing something that is complex, but not overwhelmingly so. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to soften the description and avoid potentially intimidating or deterring the audience. It functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun in a gentle, understated way. While "mildly convoluted" is not the most common phrase, it's suitable for a range of contexts, including news articles and academic discussions. Alternatives such as "slightly complex" or "somewhat intricate" can be used to express similar ideas. When employing this phrase, aim for clarity and avoid overuse, ensuring it enhances rather than dilutes your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly complex

Emphasizes a small degree of complexity, focusing on the intricacy rather than potential confusion.

somewhat intricate

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature, softening the intensity of the complexity.

a bit complicated

Uses a more common and simpler term to convey a similar level of complexity.

moderately complex

Replaces "mildly" with "moderately", indicating a slightly stronger degree of complexity.

rather involved

Focuses on the entanglement and interconnectedness, presenting it in a less harsh manner.

reasonably knotty

Uses a more figurative term to describe complexity, implying a tangled or difficult to unravel situation.

kind of puzzling

Shifts the focus to the effect of the complexity, suggesting it causes confusion or uncertainty.

not entirely straightforward

Highlights the lack of simplicity without directly calling it complex.

subtly labyrinthine

Emphasizes the maze-like quality in a gentle and understated way.

tangentially complex

Suggests that complexity is not central but exists on the periphery.

FAQs

How can I use "mildly convoluted" in a sentence?

You can use "mildly convoluted" to describe a situation, explanation, or process that is somewhat complex but not overwhelmingly so. For example: "The explanation was "mildly convoluted", but I eventually understood it".

What can I say instead of "mildly convoluted"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly complex", "somewhat intricate", or "a bit complicated" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly convoluted" or "mildly convoluted"?

Both "slightly convoluted" and ""mildly convoluted"" are acceptable, but "slightly" might imply a more easily understood level of complexity than "mildly". Choose the word that best reflects the degree of complexity you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "mildly convoluted"?

It may be inappropriate to use ""mildly convoluted"" when describing something that is extremely complex or confusing, as it may downplay the severity of the complexity. In such cases, stronger terms like "highly complex" or "extremely intricate" would be more suitable.