tangled arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangled arguments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where arguments or reasoning are complex, confusing, or intertwined, making it difficult to follow or understand. Example: "The debate became increasingly frustrating as the participants presented tangled arguments that left the audience bewildered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But, while the play is continually absorbing, it too often smoothes over tangled arguments.

The New Yorker

His deepest affinity is not for tangled arguments about morality and public policy, but for the sensational entertainment value of America's half-participatory, half-voyeuristic romance with illegal drugs.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The government has marked a clear, although narrow, pathway for battered women seeking asylum, lawyers said, after 13 years of tangled court arguments, including resistance from the Bush administration to recognize any of those claims.

The New York Times

Unpicking tangled theological arguments through an Agatha Christie-style whodunnit structure, the film puts Gleeson's virtuous Father James on the trail of his own would-be murderer following a threatening confession – the rather contrived narrative a mere platform for a stinging, essayistic examination of faith, and how it survives in a society increasingly defaulting to secularism.

The Guardian - Film

A knife may help in removing the tangled line.

WikiHow

In warm weather, Mr. Pacheco added, the pier is so crowded that the fishermen sometimes have heated arguments over tangled lines.

The New York Times

Arguments raged for decades about the tangled pathology of black families divided from their rural roots and thrown together in dead-end Northern slums.

The New York Times - Books

In between there is talk: false starts and non sequiturs, tangents and flights of fancy, arguments, innuendos, inanities and desperate desires, all tangled and looped and unfurling at a pace verging on, but never devolving into, the manic.

The New York Times

The arguments that Stuart assembles are part of an immensely tangled and resonant debate.

The New Yorker

Making a Radio 4 documentary about the tangled issue of corporates and arts sponsorship, I've been struck by how the arguments are rarely straightforward.

The Guardian

The tangled thicket of arms and elbows around the rim after every missed shot, the arguments after nearly every official's call, the missed foul shots.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tangled arguments", ensure the context clearly establishes the complexity or confusion being described. Provide specific details to illustrate why the arguments are tangled, making it easier for the reader to understand the challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "tangled arguments" as a generic descriptor. Without specific context, it can sound vague and fail to convey the intended complexity or confusion. Provide concrete examples or explanations to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tangled arguments" is that of a noun phrase, where "tangled" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "arguments". Ludwig examples show its use in describing complicated legal, philosophical, or personal disputes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tangled arguments" is a valid and descriptive way to refer to complex or confusing lines of reasoning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate when aiming to convey intricacy or difficulty in understanding a particular debate or dispute. When using "tangled arguments", ensure sufficient context is provided to clarify the nature of the complexity. Alternatives such as "complex disputes" or "convoluted debates" may offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex disputes

Emphasizes the complicated nature of the disagreements.

convoluted debates

Highlights the intricate and difficult-to-follow structure of the discussions.

intricate disagreements

Focuses on the detailed and complicated aspects of the disagreements.

confusing rationales

Underscores the lack of clarity and potential misunderstanding in the reasoning provided.

muddled reasoning

Suggests a lack of clear thought and organization in the arguments presented.

sophisticated polemics

Indicates a high degree of complexity and refinement in the controversial arguments.

labyrinthine logic

Emphasizes the maze-like and difficult-to-navigate quality of the reasoning.

knotty contentions

Highlights the difficult and complicated nature of the claims or assertions made.

perplexing discourse

Focuses on the puzzling and bewildering quality of the communication.

thorny issues

Implies that the arguments are difficult and sensitive, potentially leading to conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "tangled arguments" in a sentence?

You can use "tangled arguments" to describe debates, legal cases, or discussions where the reasoning is complex and difficult to follow. For example: "The lawyer presented a series of "tangled arguments" to confuse the jury."

What are some alternatives to "tangled arguments"?

Alternatives to "tangled arguments" include "complex disputes", "convoluted debates", or "intricate disagreements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tangled arguments" a formal or informal phrase?

"Tangled arguments" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for describing complex situations where a more descriptive term is needed.

What makes arguments "tangled"?

Arguments become "tangled" when they are intertwined, have multiple layers, involve conflicting information, or are presented in a way that is confusing and difficult to understand.