a brain teaser

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brain teaser" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is difficult to figure out or solve, such as a riddle or a puzzle. For example, "She got stumped by the brain teaser and had to ask her friend for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A brain teaser?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kind of a brain teaser, when you think about it.

The Washington Post

So they went for what they call a "brain teaser".

The Economist

Designing a new game show that is both stupid and successful is a brain teaser.

The New York Times - Arts

The device, he found, was a brain teaser, frustrating his efforts to make it obey.

The New York Times

"We really wanted it to be a brain teaser, a more whimsical interpretation of fashion," Mr. Koda said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

As for the title "Stomachion," the exhibition tells us: "In the ancient world, if you had a puzzle, you didn't have a brain-teaser — you had stomach trouble".

The New York Times - Arts

It concerned the way one might program a computer to solve a brain-teaser well known to mathematicians that involves three cannibals, three missionaries and a boat that seats only two.

The New York Times

Anyway, the Rind-Strohmetz team has also looked at whether tips improve when the server gives customers a brain-teaser with the bill, writes a message about the weather on the bill, and more.

The New York Times

He was described as a formidable foe when it came to computer video games and was the fraternity house's acknowledged champion at a brain-teaser game that reached about 100 levels of difficulty.

The New York Times

In the wilder bits of the ex-communist world, that is something more than just a brain-teaser for political scientists.Mikhail Saakashvili, the charismatic young president of Georgia, is trying to persuade the world that this question has an affirmative answer (see article).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brain teaser" to introduce a complex topic in a more accessible way. This can help to engage your audience and make the subject matter seem less daunting.

Common error

Avoid using "a brain teaser" in contexts that demand serious or critical thinking, such as in legal or medical discussions. The phrase implies a playful challenge, which can undermine the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brain teaser" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object or subject complement. It describes something designed to challenge one's intellect. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and well-supported by diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brain teaser" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes something intentionally designed to challenge one's intellect in a playful or stimulating way. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, with primary usage being in News & Media, Academia and Wiki. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "a brain teaser" in contexts that require a serious or critical tone. Consider alternatives like "a puzzle" or "a conundrum" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A mind-bender

A slang term for something that is confusing or difficult to understand, often in an exciting or stimulating way.

A puzzle

This is a general term for something that poses a challenge to solve. It's more broad than "a brain teaser".

A stumper

This is an informal term for a question or problem that is particularly difficult to answer or solve.

A riddle

This refers to a question or statement phrased in a загадочный manner, requiring ingenuity to uncover the answer or meaning.

An enigma

This signifies something mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

A thought-provoker

Describes something that stimulates thinking and encourages deeper consideration.

A conundrum

This term denotes a perplexing question or problem, often one that is difficult or impossible to resolve.

A tough question

This is a straightforward way of describing a question that is hard to answer.

A problem

This is a broad term for any situation presenting difficulty or uncertainty. It is much more general.

A vexing issue

This refers to a problem or matter that causes annoyance, frustration, or worry.

FAQs

How can I use "a brain teaser" in a sentence?

You can use "a brain teaser" to describe a challenging puzzle or problem, such as, "The professor presented the class with "a brain teaser" to test their logical reasoning skills."

What are some alternatives to "a brain teaser"?

Alternatives include "a puzzle", "a riddle", or "a conundrum", depending on the specific type of mental challenge you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "a brain teaser" in formal writing?

While "a brain teaser" is generally acceptable, it's more suited for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "a complex problem" or "a challenging question".

What's the difference between "a brain teaser" and "a puzzle"?

While both involve problem-solving, "a brain teaser" typically implies a more playful and intellectually stimulating challenge, whereas "a puzzle" can refer to any problem that requires solving, regardless of its complexity or tone.