thick with intrigue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thick with intrigue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, story, or atmosphere that is filled with mystery or suspense, often evoking curiosity. Example: "The novel was set in a small town, thick with intrigue, where secrets lay hidden beneath the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The night will be thick with intrigue in spite of it all.

The New York Times - Sports

Although the plot is impossibly thick with intrigue and danger, true believers who go along for the ride will hate to see it end.

The New York Times - Books

Soon the incessant forest noises, the shadows, the rampant decay and damp-cloaked foliage, all dissolved into a strange, sweet drowsiness... Central America's Petén forest is as thick with intrigue as it is impassable.

The Guardian - Travel

Any other tale so thick with intrigue involving a Nazi war criminal and treasure hidden in the depths of a blue-green sea might simply have been dismissed, particularly if it originated from a prison inmate known only as Phantom X.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The story is violent and thick with international intrigue, but McCone fights to keep her cool and save her marriage — a different kind of role model for different times.

The New York Times - Books

Those are some fairly dysfunctional offices, thick with incident and intrigue and sex and therefore both a welcome escape from the grind of actual work and a space for dystopian projections.

The New York Times

But the crazed commentary of Charles Kinbote (who believes himself to be the exiled king of the fictional Zembla) is thick with movie-ready palace intrigues, teams of regicidal assassins, revolution, and a late-night escape from a castle through underground tunnels.

The New Yorker

The signing comes loaded with intrigue.

The New York Times - Sports

Its making was rife with intrigue.

The New York Times

The second round is bursting with intrigue.

The New York Times - Sports

This series has been packed with intrigue.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thick with intrigue", ensure the context clearly establishes a sense of mystery, suspense, or complex hidden elements that captivate the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "thick with intrigue" when describing situations that are simply complicated or confusing without a clear element of mystery or hidden agendas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thick with intrigue" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe it as being full of mystery, suspense, or complex hidden elements. Ludwig shows examples where it describes environments and narratives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

25%

Travel

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thick with intrigue" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that effectively conveys a sense of mystery, suspense, or complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for describing various scenarios, as evidenced by its usage in diverse sources like the New York Times and the Guardian. While relatively rare, it adds depth and nuance to descriptive writing. When incorporating "thick with intrigue" into your writing, ensure the context appropriately establishes the presence of mystery and captivating hidden elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Full of suspense

Focuses on the suspenseful aspect, rather than the complex or mysterious elements.

Laden with mystery

Emphasizes the mysterious nature, suggesting something is concealed or unexplained.

Teeming with secrets

Underscores the abundance of secrets, suggesting hidden information is present.

Rife with speculation

Highlights the presence of many guesses and theories, rather than inherent mystery.

Brimming with veiled hints

Highlights the presence of hints and indirect suggestions.

Abounding in hidden depths

Highlights layers of concealed complexity rather than overt mystery.

Rich in veiled implications

Stresses the abundance of hints and indirect suggestions, rather than overt secrets.

Awash with hidden agendas

Focuses on the idea of concealed motives and plans.

Heavy with undercurrents

Focuses on the subtle, unspoken tensions and implications beneath the surface.

Fraught with political machinations

Specifically highlights the presence of complex and often deceitful political schemes.

FAQs

How can I use "thick with intrigue" in a sentence?

You can use "thick with intrigue" to describe environments, plots, or situations characterized by mystery and suspense. For instance, "The old mansion was thick with intrigue, every room whispering secrets of the past".

What are some alternatives to "thick with intrigue"?

Some alternatives include "full of suspense", "laden with mystery", or "teeming with secrets". You can also consider phrases like "rich in veiled implications" or "fraught with political machinations" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "thick with intrigue"?

Yes, "thick with intrigue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something filled with mystery or suspense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English.

What distinguishes "thick with intrigue" from simply being "complicated"?

"Thick with intrigue" specifically implies a layer of mystery, hidden agendas, or suspenseful elements, whereas "complicated" simply means something is complex or difficult to understand without necessarily involving any secrets or suspense. A situation "full of suspense" is not necessarily complicated, and vice versa.