Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

I'm puzzled by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(5)

I don't understand

I'm perplexed by

I'm struggling to comprehend

I'm unsure about

I'm having trouble understanding

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I'm puzzled by it, frankly," says Willoughby.

Academia

Princeton University

"I'm puzzled by that," says Le Mar.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I'm puzzled by the idea," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times - Travel

I was there !! (32) Beyond my time, but I'm puzzled by the Brillouin itinerary.

Academia

Columbia University

You know, I'm puzzled by the "Argo" [which was snubbed for a best director nomination].

News & Media

The New York Times

Like most of your readers, I'm puzzled by what exactly Mr Draper is trying to prove.

News & Media

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But I was puzzled by your "Messiah".

News & Media

The New Yorker

I was puzzled by my own action.

News & Media

The New York Times

I was puzzled by this.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

'I was puzzled by it,' Davis admits.

News & Media

The Guardian - Film

"For years, I was puzzled by that behavior.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I'm puzzled by", ensure that the subject of your confusion is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I'm puzzled by the sudden change in weather."

Common error

Avoid using "I'm puzzled by" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or official reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "It is unclear" or "Further investigation is required."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I'm puzzled by" is to express a state of confusion or uncertainty regarding a particular subject. It functions as a declarative statement where the speaker indicates their lack of understanding or comprehension. Ludwig AI shows various contexts where this phrase is used to introduce a point of confusion or inquiry.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Science

Less common in

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm puzzled by" is a versatile phrase used to express confusion or uncertainty, commonly found in news and media, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While suitable for various situations, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional settings. The phrase serves as an expression of a personal state of mind that is usually followed by a question or an indirect request of explanation about the cause of confusion.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am confused by

Replaces "puzzled" with the more common "confused", resulting in a slightly less formal tone.

I find it puzzling

Shifts the sentence structure to emphasize the puzzling nature of the subject, rather than the speaker's state of mind.

I'm baffled by

Substitutes "puzzled" with "baffled", suggesting a higher degree of confusion or incomprehension.

I don't understand

Offers a more direct and straightforward expression of not comprehending something.

I'm perplexed by

Replaces "puzzled" with "perplexed", indicating a state of bewilderment.

I'm at a loss to explain

Indicates an inability to explain something due to confusion or lack of understanding.

I'm struggling to comprehend

Emphasizes the effort involved in trying to understand something.

It's a mystery to me

Expresses confusion by framing the subject as something that is inherently mysterious or inexplicable.

I'm unsure about

Indicates a lack of certainty or clarity regarding a particular issue or topic.

I'm having trouble understanding

Highlights the difficulty the speaker is experiencing in understanding something.

FAQs

What does "I'm puzzled by" mean?

The phrase "I'm puzzled by" means that you are confused or unsure about something. It indicates a state of mild bewilderment or uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "I'm puzzled by"?

You can use alternatives like "I am confused by", "I find it puzzling", or "I'm baffled by" depending on the context.

How to use "I'm puzzled by" in a sentence?

You can use "I'm puzzled by" followed by the subject of your confusion. For example, "I'm puzzled by the new policy changes" or "I'm puzzled by his sudden departure".

Is "I'm puzzled by" formal or informal?

"I'm puzzled by" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but may not be appropriate for highly formal contexts. In such instances, more professional alternatives are better.

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Continue with Googlefor free

Continue with emailfor free

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

1-200 1k 2k 3k 4k 5k 7k 10k 20k 40k 100k 200k 500k 0m-3 0m-4 1m-1 1m-2 1m-3 1m-4

I'm puzzled byGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I'm puzzled by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples