rather convoluted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather convoluted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is complex, intricate, or difficult to understand, often referring to explanations, arguments, or narratives. Example: "The author's argument was rather convoluted, making it hard for readers to follow the main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sometimes the Freudian picture got rather convoluted.

The Economist

The mechanics of the new format are rather convoluted.

Independent

Speaking on BBC Radio Orkney's Around Orkney programme on Monday morning, Carmichael offered a rather convoluted explanation for why this was not an outright lie.

The Guardian

In a rather convoluted talk, in which he identifies the main pollution problem as oxides of nitrogen, he grandly declares: "Nature it seems also produces oxides of nitrogen.

The New York Times - Books

After the requisite funny story — a rather convoluted one about her husband's home town of Russell, Kansas — Dole launched into a stupefying account of a recent nine-day campaign trip.

The New Yorker

While the FA recognises that the punchline to the rather convoluted joke could easily be deemed inappropriate, it considered the context in which Hodgson was speaking at half-time and duly offered its manager full backing.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

When she made a public plea for greater environmental protection at this year's parliamentary consultative committee, she was accused of hypocrisy, because she wore animal fur, and childishness, because she used ordinary language rather than convoluted bureaucratic terminology.

The Guardian - Film

I've been beetling after enlightenment from the word go," he proclaims confidently, near the book's opening – he gradually discovers that transcending not only the world's temptations but the complications thrown up by one's character and desires is a rather more convoluted business.

The Guardian - Books

Pitkin compares the concept of representation to " a rather complicated, convoluted, three dimensional structure in the middle of a dark enclosure".

SEP

The idea, according to LG North America President and CEO Wayne Park is to make it so that consumers can engage with their smart home in a way that's natural and automatic, rather than convoluted and anti-intuitive.

TechCrunch

Unlike other Agaricus species, A. deserticola does not develop true gills, but rather a convoluted and networked system of spore-producing tissue called a gleba.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather convoluted" when you want to gently criticize something for being unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow. It suggests that simplification would be beneficial.

Common error

While "rather convoluted" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "intricate", "complex", or "circuitous" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather convoluted" functions as an adverbial modifier enhancing an adjective. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something complex, intricate, or difficult to understand. Examples show it modifying terms like "explanation", "joke", and "history".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather convoluted" is a commonly used phrase that describes something unnecessarily complex or intricate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, signaling its broad applicability. When using the phrase, it is advisable to consider the audience and purpose, opting for more formal alternatives in specific formal settings. Although acceptable, be mindful not to overuse this, or any, phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat intricate

Replaces "convoluted" with "intricate" and "rather" with "somewhat", emphasizing the detailed nature of the complexity.

quite complex

Substitutes "rather" with "quite" and "convoluted" with "complex", indicating a high degree of difficulty.

fairly complicated

Uses "fairly" instead of "rather" and "complicated" for "convoluted", suggesting a moderate level of complexity.

a bit tangled

Employs "a bit" in place of "rather" and "tangled" for "convoluted", implying a confused and disordered state.

somewhat labyrinthine

Replaces "convoluted" with "labyrinthine", highlighting the intricate and maze-like quality.

quite circuitous

Substitutes "convoluted" with "circuitous", suggesting a roundabout and indirect path or manner.

rather tortuous

Employs "tortuous" instead of "convoluted", emphasizing the twisting and complex nature.

a little Byzantine

Uses "Byzantine" in place of "convoluted", implying extreme complexity and secretiveness.

excessively intricate

Replaces "rather" with "excessively" and "convoluted" with "intricate", emphasizing the extreme degree of complexity.

unduly complex

Substitutes "rather" with "unduly" and "convoluted" with "complex", suggesting the complexity is unnecessary or inappropriate.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather convoluted" to describe something complex and difficult to understand. For example, "The explanation was "rather convoluted", making it hard to grasp the main idea."

What are some alternatives to "rather convoluted"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat intricate", "quite complex", or "fairly complicated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While acceptable, "rather convoluted" can sound informal. In formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "unduly complex" or "excessively intricate" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "rather convoluted" and "slightly confusing"?

"Rather convoluted" suggests unnecessary complexity and difficulty, while "slightly confusing" implies a milder, more temporary lack of clarity. The first suggests a structural problem, and the second a temporary problem.