I found it perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I found it perplexing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or difficulty in understanding something. Example: "After reading the report, I found it perplexing how the conclusions were drawn from the data presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

"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

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

BBC

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

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

Vice

I don't want to sound like I am defending addicts, but I find it perplexing that there is still an arms-length approach from the authorities for helping long-term addicts.

Vice

The indie kids who had paid a very reasonable £13 entrance fee clearly found it perplexing.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Villacorta's lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, said after the verdict was announced in State Supreme Court in Manhattan that he found it perplexing.

The New York Times

McAndrew, meanwhile, found it perplexing.

Vice

One night we were talking about her work and she said she found it perplexing when her friends said they were worried about her, as though she didn't understand the risks of her profession.

Vice

Along these lines students at times found it perplexing that the substituted judgment standard compelled physicians to make a decision which was not consistent with their judgment of the patient's best interest..the physicians admitted that they made the wrong decision.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I found it perplexing" to express mild confusion or difficulty in understanding something, especially when you want to convey a sense of polite disagreement or thoughtful consideration.

Common error

While "perplexing" is a valid word, using it too frequently in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "confusing" or "puzzling" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I found it perplexing" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's experience of confusion or difficulty in understanding something. It indicates a personal reaction to a situation, as demonstrated by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I found it perplexing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey confusion or difficulty in understanding something. Ludwig AI highlights that while the phrase is clear and acceptable, it is more frequently encountered in news and media and science. For a more informal tone, you can use alternatives like "I found it confusing" or "I found it puzzling". Remember that using "perplexing" may sound more formal. Therefore, consider your audience to achieve effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I found it puzzling

Replaces 'perplexing' with 'puzzling', indicating something that is difficult to understand or solve.

I found it confusing

Substitutes 'perplexing' with 'confusing', suggesting a lack of clarity and coherence.

I found it baffling

Uses 'baffling' instead of 'perplexing', implying something that is extremely difficult to understand.

I was perplexed by it

Changes the structure to a passive voice, focusing on the state of being perplexed.

I was puzzled by it

Similar to the previous, but uses 'puzzled' to express mild confusion.

I found it mystifying

Replaces 'perplexing' with 'mystifying', suggesting an element of mystery or enigma.

I found it bewildering

Uses 'bewildering' to convey a sense of being confused and disoriented.

It perplexed me

Reverses the sentence structure to emphasize the action of perplexing.

I couldn't understand it

Simplifies the expression to a more straightforward statement of incomprehension.

I didn't understand it

Uses a more direct and simple way to express lack of understanding.

FAQs

What does "I found it perplexing" mean?

The phrase "I found it perplexing" means that you experienced confusion or difficulty understanding something. It suggests a state of mild bewilderment or uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "I found it perplexing"?

You can use alternatives like "I found it confusing", "I found it puzzling", or "I was perplexed by it" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I find it perplexing"?

Yes, "I find it perplexing" is grammatically correct and expresses the same meaning as "I found it perplexing", but indicates a current state of confusion rather than a past one.

What is the difference between "perplexing", "confusing", and "puzzling"?

"Perplexing" implies a state of mild bewilderment, "confusing" suggests a lack of clarity or coherence, and "puzzling" indicates something that is difficult to solve or understand. While similar, "perplexing" often carries a slightly more formal tone.