moderately convoluted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moderately convoluted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat complex or intricate, but not excessively so. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were moderately convoluted, requiring several readings to fully understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that was pretty convoluted".

The New Yorker

It's all pretty convoluted.

Forbes

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

These deals were really convoluted".

The New Yorker

Are the rules convoluted?

The New York Times - Sports

"It's so convoluted".

The New Yorker

It's very convoluted".

The Guardian - Film

The story has been convoluted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or systems, "moderately convoluted" suggests that while simplifications are possible, the existing complexity serves a purpose and can't be easily dismissed.

Common error

Avoid using "moderately convoluted" to describe simple or easily understandable situations. Overusing it diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Opt for simpler terms when the context doesn't warrant significant complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moderately convoluted" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to describe its level of complexity. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase indicates something is complex but not excessively so.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moderately convoluted" is a phrase used to describe something that is complex but not overwhelmingly so. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, typically functioning as an adverb modifying an adjective. It's appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, aiming to qualify the degree of intricacy in a balanced manner. While alternative phrases exist to express varying degrees of complexity, this specific combination is most fitting when you want to indicate a manageable level of intricacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat intricate

Indicates a level of detail and complexity, but less intense than "moderately convoluted".

fairly complex

Highlights the complexity aspect, suggesting more than simple but less than extremely difficult.

slightly involved

Suggests a level of complication, emphasizing interconnectedness and nuance.

reasonably complicated

Emphasizes the presence of complications to a noticeable extent.

mildly perplexing

Focuses on the confusing aspect, but in a less intense manner.

a bit knotty

Uses a metaphor to describe complexity, suggesting a tangled or difficult-to-resolve issue.

passably intricate

Implies acceptability but not outstanding intricacy.

moderately tangled

Focuses on the disordered or confused aspect of the subject.

somewhat labyrinthine

Evokes a sense of being maze-like, complex and difficult to navigate.

slightly Byzantine

Hints at excessive complexity, often associated with bureaucracy or intrigue.

FAQs

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

You can use "moderately convoluted" to describe a process, explanation, or situation that is complex but not excessively so. For example, "The instructions were moderately convoluted, but I managed to assemble the furniture".

What phrases are similar to "moderately convoluted"?

Alternatives include "somewhat intricate", "fairly complex", or "slightly involved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "moderately convoluted" in formal writing?

Yes, "moderately convoluted" is suitable for formal writing when describing something that genuinely has a degree of complexity. However, ensure that the complexity is real and not artificially inflated.

What's the difference between "moderately convoluted" and "very convoluted"?

"Moderately convoluted" implies a manageable level of complexity, while "very convoluted" suggests something is extremely difficult to understand. Use "moderately convoluted" when something requires some effort to understand, and "very convoluted" when it's nearly incomprehensible.