slightly intricate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly intricate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is somewhat complex or detailed, but not overwhelmingly so. Example: "The design of the new software interface is slightly intricate, requiring users to familiarize themselves with a few new features."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This will keep the strands secure so you can focus all of your attention on this slightly intricate process.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

With a higher quality of player has come a slightly more intricate style of play.

The Guardian - Sport

Ditto the more heavily scored "Masonic Funeral Music" after the second, slightly more intricate Webern set.

The New York Times - Arts

Some high school teachers or college professors have slightly more intricate sites -- but these are often available only to students armed with the right passwords.

The New York Times

Though the combination of endangered creature and magical realism overloads the story slightly, the intricate images, filled with polychromatic leaf-patterns and dynamic stillness, are too good to miss.

The Guardian - Books

When dealing with slightly more intricate geometries at infinity it is often helpful or even necessary to use more sophisticated tools.

Duke University

In reality though, accomplishing these things is - well, slightly - more intricate.

HuffPost

Now, there are sophisticated services such as FlightRadar24 and the slightly more intricate and community-based FlightAware, which also plays host to a fairly active message board.

Vice

Division is slightly more intricate, but can be implemented using the model introduced in Figure 2D (other conceptually similar models are discussed in the 'Materials and methods').

eLife

This design is slightly more intricate but is well worth the trouble as it will create a unique design that really "pops".

WikiHow

For a slightly more intricate play on a basic loop, knot the tail ends together after wrapping your scarf around your neck once or twice.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly intricate" when you want to convey that something has some complexity or detail, but is not overwhelmingly difficult to understand or manage. For instance, "The instructions were slightly intricate, but manageable with patience."

Common error

Avoid using "slightly intricate" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred. Consider using more specific terms that accurately reflect the type and degree of complexity you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly intricate" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes the degree of complexity or detail present in something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its grammatical correctness and semantic clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly intricate" is a grammatically sound and usable adjective phrase that indicates a moderate level of complexity or detail. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including news, wikis, and academic texts, suggesting a neutral register. Alternatives like "somewhat complex" or "moderately detailed" can offer similar meanings. When using "slightly intricate", it's best to reserve it for scenarios where you need to convey some level of detail, but not something overwhelmingly difficult. Be cautious of overusing it in formal contexts where more precise language is warranted. Remember to use similar but semantically different alternatives "moderately detailed" or "a bit elaborate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat complex

Replaces "intricate" with "complex", focusing on the complexity aspect, and "slightly" with "somewhat", indicating a moderate degree.

moderately detailed

Substitutes "intricate" with "detailed", emphasizing the level of detail, and "slightly" with "moderately", adjusting the degree.

a bit elaborate

Uses "elaborate" instead of "intricate", highlighting the complexity and richness of detail, and "a bit" for "slightly".

relatively complex

Emphasizes complexity with "relatively complex", suggesting a comparison to simpler alternatives.

somewhat sophisticated

Replaces "intricate" with "sophisticated", focusing on the refined or advanced nature, and "slightly" with "somewhat".

subtly complex

Uses "subtly" to modify "complex", suggesting a more nuanced or understated complexity than "slightly intricate".

mildly complicated

Substitutes "intricate" with "complicated", focusing on the complexity that can cause difficulty, and "slightly" with "mildly".

reasonably detailed

Emphasizes the level of detail that is present in a reasonable or acceptable amount.

marginally complex

Uses "marginally" to indicate that the level of complexity is small or barely noticeable.

a touch intricate

Uses "a touch" to indicate a very small degree of intricacy.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly intricate" to describe something that has a degree of complexity or detail that is noticeable but not overwhelming. For example, "The mechanism of the watch was "slightly intricate", requiring specialized tools for repair."

What are some alternatives to "slightly intricate"?

Alternatives to "slightly intricate" include "somewhat complex", "moderately detailed", or "a bit elaborate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "slightly intricate" appropriate for formal writing?

While "slightly intricate" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as less formal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language to convey the specific nature of the complexity or detail involved.

What's the difference between "slightly intricate" and "very intricate"?

"Slightly intricate" implies a mild degree of complexity, while "very intricate" suggests a high level of detail and complexity. The choice depends on the actual degree of complexity you want to express. For instance, a simple knot might be "slightly intricate", whereas a complex clock mechanism might be "very intricate".