I found it puzzling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I found it puzzling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or difficulty in understanding something. Example: "After reading the article, I found it puzzling how the author reached that conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But I found it puzzling and distracting.

The New York Times

"What I meant was — I found it puzzling that she would deny something she was not accused of".

The New Yorker

Given how sympathetic Thompson's characters are, and how tenderly she cares for them, I found it puzzling that after a while, I was anticipating the epiphanic, redemptive plot turns with something closer to apprehension than to the relief and satisfaction I assumed I was meant to feel.

The New York Times - Books

Though relieved, I found it puzzling.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I find it puzzling how much I, and some other people, love architecture.

The New Yorker

So I find it puzzling to the point of distress that I genuinely like the new LR4.

The New York Times

Therefore, I find it puzzling and shocking that according to one statistic, 40% of GPs cannot offer an appointment in less than a week.

The Guardian

I find it puzzling that Mr. Crouch, who seems to really love and understand Armstrong, doesn't stand up for Satchmo's much abused "friend".

The New York Times - Arts

I agree entirely that arts sponsorship should be transparent (Tate and oil – does the art world need to come clean about sponsorship?, 8 October) and I find it puzzling that a charity's audited accounts do not make them so.

The Guardian

Honestly I find it puzzling that some of my relatives take issue with dating history, considering that these same relatives are light skinned.

Huffington Post

As a child, John found it puzzling "that a woman who wrote books for a living should always be so bad at telling bedtime stories".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I found it puzzling" to express mild confusion or a lack of immediate understanding, rather than strong disbelief or outrage. This phrasing is suitable for nuanced observations and polite disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "I found it puzzling" when describing situations that evoke strong emotions like anger or shock. Instead, opt for phrases that convey the intensity of your feelings more directly, such as "I was appalled by it" or "I was deeply disturbed by it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I found it puzzling" functions as a statement of subjective assessment. It expresses the speaker's personal reaction to something, indicating a mild sense of confusion or difficulty in understanding. Ludwig shows its correct and idiomatic usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I found it puzzling" is a grammatically correct and idiomatic way to express mild confusion or a lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not exceptionally common, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts and maintains a neutral tone. When expressing stronger feelings or in more emotionally charged situations, alternative phrases that convey greater intensity may be more appropriate. Keep in mind its nuanced application for balanced and thoughtful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was puzzled by it

This alternative uses a passive voice and focuses on the state of being puzzled.

I was confused by it

This alternative replaces "puzzling" with "confused", indicating a general lack of understanding.

I found it perplexing

This alternative uses the word "perplexing", which is a synonym for "puzzling" but may imply a slightly higher degree of confusion.

I couldn't quite understand it

This alternative uses a more explicit statement of not understanding.

It baffled me

This alternative is more emphatic, suggesting the situation was difficult to comprehend.

It struck me as odd

This alternative shifts the focus to the unexpected or strange nature of something.

I found it strange

This is a simpler alternative, focusing on the unusual nature of the subject.

It seemed peculiar to me

This alternative emphasizes the subjective and unusual impression something made.

I didn't see the logic in it

This alternative directly addresses the lack of reasoning or coherence.

I struggled to comprehend it

This alternative emphasizes the effort required to understand something.

FAQs

What does "I found it puzzling" mean?

The phrase "I found it puzzling" indicates that you experienced something as confusing or difficult to understand. It expresses a mild form of bewilderment.

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

Yes, both "I found it puzzling" (past tense) and "I find it puzzling" (present tense) are grammatically correct. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a past experience or a current state of mind.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was confused by it", "I found it perplexing", or "I couldn't quite understand it depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "I found it puzzling" and "I found it suspicious"?

"I found it puzzling" suggests confusion or lack of understanding, while "I found it suspicious" suggests a concern that something is not genuine or honest. The former relates to comprehension, while the latter relates to trust or belief.