tangled together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangled together" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe things that are intertwined or mixed up in a confusing manner. Example: "The wires were tangled together, making it difficult to identify which one belonged to which device."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

They're usually tangled together.

The New Yorker

The strands tangled together to become nearly impenetrable.

The New Yorker

Flattened or twisted lianas often become tangled together to form a hanging network of vegetation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I have many feelings about literary awards and they are all tangled together.

Independent

Passengers flew into one another's laps; nearly severed limbs became tangled together, and blood spilled along the cars' aisles.

The New York Times

Or: "It happens quickly and then for a long time they lie tangled together and breathing hard".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Their naked legs tangle together in a pale, fleshy echo of the static contortionists that surround their blanket.

The New Yorker

In Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (Fourth Estate), Nazis, Jews, zombies, cartoons and bombs tangle together in an epic tale of good defeating evil.

The Guardian - Books

She'd already written a series of much shorter books focusing on one woman and her relationships, but this was her first proper doorstopper, tangling together the lives of a cast list that ran to pages.

The Guardian - Books

By tangling together biography and autobiography, for example, and removing his own questions from the printed version of his interviews, he came close to producing a prose version of the Victorian dramatic monologue.

The Guardian - Books

Thoughts would grow tendrils and loop onto other thoughts, tangling together like a big wall of ivy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangled together" to vividly describe physical objects intertwined in a complicated way, or abstract ideas that are difficult to differentiate. For example, you can say "The Christmas tree's lights were tangled together", or "The political issues were tangled together."

Common error

While "tangled together" is versatile, reserve it for descriptions needing vivid imagery. In formal writing or technical documents, consider more precise terms like "interconnected" or "integrated" to avoid a tone that's too casual or figurative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangled together" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (e.g., "were", "became", "are"). As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase denotes a state of being intertwined or mixed up in a confusing way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangled together" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe physical or abstract elements that are intertwined in a complex or confusing manner. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The phrase commonly appears in news, science, and wiki contexts. When using "tangled together", consider the desired level of formality and choose more precise terms in technical or academic writing to make the message more specific. Overall, "tangled together" is a useful phrase for conveying a sense of disarray or complicated interconnection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intertwined

This alternative emphasizes the physical connection and interwoven nature of the items.

entwined

Similar to intertwined, but can also suggest a more intimate or complex relationship.

intermixed

This suggests a blending or mixing of elements, rather than a physical entanglement.

mingled

Implies a gentle mixing or association, often in a social context.

knotted

Focuses on the formation of a knot, emphasizing complexity and difficulty in separating.

jumbled

Suggests a chaotic mixing or disarray.

muddled

Implies confusion and lack of clarity, often in a metaphorical sense.

meshed

Highlights the interlocking or integrated nature of the items.

confounded

Suggests a state of bewilderment or confusion due to the entanglement.

welded together

Indicates a strong and permanent bond or fusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangled together" to describe physical items that are intertwined or abstract concepts that are confused and difficult to separate. For example, "The wires were "tangled together"" or "Her emotions were "tangled together" after the stressful event."

What phrases are similar to "tangled together"?

Similar phrases include "intertwined", "entwined", or "intermixed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "tangled up together"?

While "tangled up" and "tangled together" are similar, "tangled up together" can be redundant. It's generally better to use either "tangled up" or "tangled together" for clarity and conciseness.

When should I use "tangled together" versus "interconnected"?

"Tangled together" often implies a disorganized or complicated intertwining, while "interconnected" suggests a more organized and functional relationship. Choose "tangled together" when emphasizing confusion or disarray, and "interconnected" when highlighting a system or network.