We’ll try to keep this simple: the adjective complicated can be used to describe things that are very intricate and complex (a complicated apparatus for measuring brain functions) or things that are difficult to  understand or explain (a complicated subject). The synonym convoluted is most commonly used to describe stories, plots, or thought processes that are difficult to follow and perhaps even a bit dizzying in all their twists and turns (a convoluted way of describing a simple device). The word’s still-current literal meaning, after all, is “coiled” or “twisted.” There are good reasons a snail’s shell is convoluted, but in the more common, figurative use of convoluted, the word often suggests that something is unnecessarily complex or complicated to a fault.

Let’s get going on this pair of verbs. Both proceed and move cover the idea of going or passing from one place to another. However, by itself, move does not indicate direction (She moved out of his way; Get a move on!), whereas proceed means to move forward or onward (The parade proceeded down Main Street). Another distinguishing characteristic of proceed is that it often implies continuing after a halt: After a pitstop, they proceeded on their way. If you sometimes confuse proceed and precede, differentiating their prefixes can help. Pre- means “before” (in space or time). The directional aspect of proceed comes from its Latin prefix pro-, which means “forward” or “forth.”

Does it make any difference whether we pledge our allegiance or our loyalty to the flag? Loyalty and allegiance both imply a sense of duty or of devoted attachment to something or someone. Loyalty often has a more personal element to it. It connotes sentiment and the feeling of devotion that one holds for one's country, creed, family, or friends (her loyalty was rewarded). The word allegiance, originating in the feudal relationship between a liege and his lord, applies particularly to a citizen's duty to their country, or, by extension, one's obligation to support a party, cause, or leader (multinational corporations owing allegiance to no country). Whether used in the context of countries, multinational corporations, or football teams, allegiance usually implies a more official, contractual relationship than loyalty, with the suggestion of factions whose interests are at odds.