I find this perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I find this perplexing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or difficulty in understanding something. Example: "After reviewing the report, I find this perplexing, as the data does not align with our previous findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I suppose I find this perplexing because avid genealogists are well aware that tales passed down through the generations tend to be accepted and protected by those who inherit them, if only because we usually trust the elders who first shared them with us.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I honestly find this perplexing because part of what makes Girls seem fresh and somewhat dangerous is its depiction of imperfect female bodies.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Those of you from Europe might find this perplexing.

Huffington Post

Readers sometimes found this perplexing, but after a deeper reading it became clear that this was what gave him his unique value".

The New York Times - Arts

What I find more perplexing is your motive.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I find it perplexing the way the 'moral values' phrase is used," said the Rev. Mark Greiner, the pastor at the Presbyterian church that Ward attends.

The New York Times

But I feel the same way about The Seldom Seen Kid as I did about its three predecessors, and I find it perplexing that they are seen as purveyors of classy, literate, emotional, grown-up rock while Coldplay are routinely reviled for being pompous, portentous and angstily adolescent, when really, I find it hard to tell them apart.

The Guardian - Music

There's no way to simply speak the date to Moshi, which I find somewhat perplexing.

TechCrunch

So far the government has taken a hard-line stance and I find it perplexing.

BBC

I live in Trentino, and I find it perplexing that some city folk should tell me how to live in my mountains.

Vice

As a physician, technology geek and mother, I find it perplexing that one area of healthcare that has not yet been penetrated by electronic devices is hand hygiene.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I find this perplexing" when you want to express confusion or difficulty in understanding something, especially when you're seeking clarification or further explanation.

Common error

While "I find this perplexing" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I'm puzzled by this" or "This baffles me" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I find this perplexing" is to act as a declarative statement, expressing a personal opinion or reaction. It indicates the speaker's difficulty in understanding or making sense of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I find this perplexing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey confusion or difficulty in understanding something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "I'm confused", it adds a touch of formality suitable for neutral contexts such as news reporting and professional communication. When using this phrase, consider varying your language with synonyms like "this baffles me" or I am puzzled by this to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am puzzled by this

Replaces "find perplexing" with a more direct statement of puzzlement.

This baffles me

Uses a stronger verb to emphasize the degree of confusion.

I'm confused about this

A simpler and more direct way to express confusion.

This is bewildering to me

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the confusion.

I'm at a loss to understand this

Indicates an inability to comprehend the situation.

This is beyond my understanding

Highlights the limits of one's comprehension.

I'm struggling to understand this

Focuses on the effort required to comprehend.

This is a mystery to me

Suggests that the situation is enigmatic or unsolved.

I don't understand this

A straightforward statement of lack of understanding.

This eludes my comprehension

A more formal way of saying something is difficult to understand.

FAQs

What does "I find this perplexing" mean?

It means you're confused or puzzled about something and are having difficulty understanding it.

How can I use "I find this perplexing" in a sentence?

You can use it to express your confusion about a situation, such as: "After reviewing the data, "I find this perplexing", as it contradicts our initial findings."

What are some alternatives to "I find this perplexing"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm confused about this", "This baffles me", or "I am puzzled by this" depending on the context.

Is "I find this perplexing" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for both professional and everyday communication. However, alternatives like "I'm confused" might be more appropriate for informal settings.