tangled webs

USAGE SUMMARY

"tangled webs" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe complex or complicated situations, often involving deceit or entanglement. Example: "He found himself caught in a tangled web of lies." Alternative expressions include "complicated situations," "intricate networks," and "knotty problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

(What tangled webs, no?) As the first episode wears on, the halfhearted highlights in Chrissy's hair seem to fade, and the brunette within emerges.

The New York Times - Arts

Some Chinese analysts suggest a National Security Council to co-ordinate policy, but such calls have met with institutional resistance.Don't tell me what to doInternal affairs also have tangled webs of power.

The Economist

From the ceiling hang the chandeliers, tangled webs of pussy words and stuff (Berber hats, hoof canteens, chili peppers, Moravian stars, faceless naked-lady mugs Venuses of Willendorf, hecho en México).

The New Yorker

He denies the charges.Special report Oh for a new risorgimento For ever espresso Renaissance men Benvenuto, up to a point The ins and outs Tangled webs The cavaliere and the cavallo Sources & acknowledgmentsReprints Related topics Europe ItalyItaly's unification is contentious because many people trace the country's current troubles back to the birth of a nation that, they say, was misconceived.

The Economist

"Unfortunately in good times we do not grow".Special report Oh for a new risorgimento For ever espresso Renaissance men Benvenuto, up to a point The ins and outs Tangled webs The cavaliere and the cavallo Sources & acknowledgmentsReprintsA rosy view of Italy's economy relies on two assumptions that are only half right.

The Economist

And we still feel the tumult and challenge in the works themselves — beginning with the youthful rush of invention in the early novels, like "Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nicklebyby" and "Barnaby Rudge," and ending with the portentous darkness, mounds of dust and tangled webs of "Our Mutual Friend" — an exhilarating enterprise, worthy of the celebration offered here.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Nooteboom's larger message is that a country, like history itself, is impossible to pin down, "a permanently tangled web of cause, coincidence, and intention".

The New Yorker

A lot of the backstage maneuvering in the Nixon White House's dealings with China will similarly be familiar in outline to readers of Margaret MacMillan's "Nixon and Mao: The Week That Changed the World" and William Bundy's "Tangled Web: The Making of Foreign Policy in the Nixon Presidency".

The New York Times - Books

Dad has tangled web of European TV and film programming, production and licensing firms, including SAT1, DSF (sports TV), Premier (pay TV), and 40% of Axel Springer Verlag, one of Europe's largest newspaper chains.

Forbes

"But now we know the real story--a tangled web of public officials, polluter lobbyists, and efforts to gut the Clean Air Act".

Huffington Post

The Tangled Web The Cleveland Indians' hiring of Tim Belcher as special assistant in baseball operations prompts recollection of his brief history with the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangled webs" to vividly describe situations involving lies, conspiracies, or intricate problems where elements are interconnected and difficult to unravel.

Common error

Avoid using "tangled webs" when a simpler description of a problem or situation would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangled webs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. The Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing complicated and often deceptive situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangled webs" is a noun phrase used to vividly describe complex, often deceptive, and interconnected situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and maintain clarity. Alternative phrases like "complex situations" or "web of deceit" can provide nuanced variations. Overall, "tangled webs" is a valuable addition to one's descriptive vocabulary, offering a concise way to depict intricate and potentially problematic scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

web of deceit

Directly addresses the deceptive aspect, emphasizing lies and trickery.

complex situations

Focuses on the complexity aspect, omitting the negative connotation of entanglement or deceit.

intricate networks

Highlights the interconnectedness and complexity, suitable for describing systems or relationships.

entanglement of issues

Highlights how different problems are interconnected and difficult to separate.

knotty problems

Emphasizes the difficulty and complicated nature of the issues involved.

complicated affairs

Focuses on the complexity of events or situations, often with a negative implication.

complicated relationships

Specifically refers to the complex dynamics between people.

labyrinthine complexity

Emphasizes the confusing and intricate nature of a situation, likening it to a labyrinth.

a quagmire of problems

Suggests a complex and difficult situation that is hard to escape from.

a Gordian knot

Refers to an extremely complex or intricate problem, famously solved by Alexander the Great cutting it with his sword.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangled webs" to describe complicated situations involving deception or interconnected problems. For example, "The investigation revealed a "tangled webs" of financial fraud".

What's a good alternative to "tangled webs" when describing a complex situation?

Alternatives include "complex situations", "intricate networks", or "knotty problems" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tangled webs" in formal writing?

Yes, "tangled webs" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing complex or deceptive scenarios. However, consider your audience and ensure the tone aligns with the overall context. Simpler phrasing might be preferred in some contexts.

What kind of imagery does "tangled webs" evoke?

"Tangled webs" evokes imagery of something intricate, difficult to navigate, and potentially ensnaring, often associated with deception, confusion, or complex relationships.