Meaning & use
inextricably intertwined
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformal
So closely connected that they cannot be separated or considered apart from each other.
Grammar: Used after a linking verb, especially be: The two problems are inextricably intertwined.
Patterns
- be inextricably intertwined
- become inextricably intertwined
- be inextricably intertwined with something
In this region, politics and religion are inextricably intertwined.
The history of the two families is inextricably intertwined with the history of the town.
For many artists, their personal life and their work are inextricably intertwined.
Common combinations
- inextricably intertwined with
- The country's economy is inextricably intertwined with global trade.
- become inextricably intertwined
- Over the years, the two organizations became inextricably intertwined.
- inextricably intertwined issues
- Climate change and food security are inextricably intertwined issues.
- inextricably linked
- Their futures are inextricably linked.
Synonyms and how they differ
- inseparable
- Focuses on people or things that cannot be separated; less formal and more general than 'inextricably intertwined'.
- entangled
- Suggests being twisted together in a messy way; 'inextricably intertwined' is more neutral and emphasizes closeness.
Opposites
Commonly confused: inextricably intertwined or inextricable?
inextricably intertwined vs inextricable
The adjective means 'impossible to separate'; 'inextricably' is the adverb used in this fixed phrase.
Practice
The two problems are ______ intertwined, so solving one will affect the other.
Choose one answer.
The adverb 'inextricably' is needed to modify the adjective 'intertwined'. 'Inextricable' is an adjective and cannot modify another adjective here, and the other forms are not standard English words in this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inextricably intertwined”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.