rather intricate

USAGE SUMMARY

"rather intricate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is complex or difficult to understand. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a problem, a task, or an idea. For example: - "The instructions for assembling the furniture were rather intricate, but I managed to put it together." - "The plot of the novel was rather intricate, with multiple twists and turns." - "The concept of quantum physics is rather intricate and requires a deep understanding of mathematics." - "The recipe for this dish may seem rather intricate, but it is actually quite easy to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Still, our methods match the budget-balance of previous (yet rather intricate) results.

Information Processing Letters

The variation of the required voltage with t/L is rather intricate.

Nature

Rather, intricate interactions between tumor cells and their stromal microenvironment play an essential role in the pathogenesis of metastasis.

Princeton University

The exact solution involves rather intricate Bessel functions, whereas the approximation is based on easily computable power series.

Applied Thermal Engineering

The size of the hot zone was much larger than that of individual particles and it usually exhibited some rather intricate motion.

Chemical Engineering Science

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Wheelchair racing is far from a glorified soap-box derby, but rather an intricate test of athletic strength, endurance and strategy among athletes whose propulsion comes from arms atop wheels rather than legs atop sneakers.

The New York Times - Sports

(So although Idmonarachne could likely excrete silk, it would have formed strands and sheets of the material rather than intricate webs).

Science Magazine

It was about fifty years before the major undertaking of the tower and spire was commenced, the architect being Richard Farleigh and the details being rather more intricate and elaborate than the earlier work.

Wikipedia

Spasticity is not caused by a single mechanism but rather by intricate changes along different interdependent pathways [ 2].

BioMed Research International

The role of the 'interlocker' privileges a researcher who has a breadth of knowledge in theory, approach, and discourse, rather than intricate knowledge of one discipline.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather intricate" to precisely convey that something possesses a notable level of complexity, without necessarily implying negativity or insurmountable difficulty. This can be especially effective in technical descriptions or analytical contexts where nuanced detail is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "rather intricate" when describing something that is only mildly complex. Overusing sophisticated language in simple situations can make your writing sound pretentious or unnatural. Instead, opt for simpler adjectives like "complex", "detailed", or "involved" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather intricate" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "intricate". It serves to denote a significant degree of complexity or detail. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly qualifies nouns describing systems, processes, or designs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather intricate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express that something is significantly complex or detailed. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in a variety of contexts, including science, news, and academic writing. While the phrase is generally suitable for formal use, be mindful of your audience and avoid overusing it in simple contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "somewhat complex" or "fairly complicated" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Use "rather intricate" to enhance precision and detail in your writing, ensuring clarity without sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat complex

Indicates a similar level of complexity, but with a slightly different emphasis on the difficulty.

fairly complicated

Suggests a moderate level of complication, focusing on the involvement of multiple parts.

quite elaborate

Highlights the detailed and ornate nature, rather than just general complexity.

slightly involved

Implies a minor level of entanglement or complexity.

moderately sophisticated

Refers to the refinement and advanced nature of something.

reasonably detailed

Focuses on the extent of information and specificity.

relatively complex

Similar to "somewhat complex" but with a slightly more formal tone.

a bit convoluted

Implies that something is complex in a confusing or unnecessarily complicated way.

somewhat knotty

A more figurative way to describe something complex, suggesting it is difficult to untangle.

genuinely labyrinthine

Indicates an extremely complex and confusing arrangement, like a labyrinth.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather intricate" to describe something that is complex or detailed. For example: "The mechanism of the clock was "rather intricate" and required careful study."

What's a simpler way to say "rather intricate"?

If you want a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "somewhat complex", "fairly complicated", or "quite detailed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "rather intricate" in formal writing?

While "rather intricate" is generally acceptable in formal writing, consider your audience and the overall tone. In some cases, a more direct synonym like "highly complex" or "particularly detailed" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "rather intricate" and "extremely complex"?

"Rather intricate" suggests a notable level of detail and complexity, but not necessarily the highest possible degree. "Extremely complex" implies a much higher level of difficulty and complication. The choice depends on the specific degree of complexity you want to convey.