a confounding array of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a confounding array of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complex or confusing collection of items, ideas, or situations. Example: "The research presented a confounding array of results that left the scientists puzzled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

FE colleges offer a confounding array of courses.

The Guardian - Opinion

It traverses a confounding array of styles, from limpid, neo-Baroque episodes to fogbound, static textures reminiscent of Morton Feldman.

The New Yorker

SHANGHAI — For English speakers with subpar Chinese skills, daily life in China offers a confounding array of choices.

The New York Times

Textbooks are expensive — a year's worth can cost $700 to $900 — and students' frustrations with the expense, as well as the emergence of new technology, have produced a confounding array of options for obtaining them.

The New York Times

It is worth noting, however, that Harriet's published memories of Strindberg are overwhelmingly generous and appreciative; and his much-abused friends and colleagues have left a confounding array of tender reminiscences; when not in one of his "black moods," Strindberg is described as being generous to a fault, a charming houseguest, wonderful with children and deeply loved.

The New York Times

Katz's department must consider a confounding array of factors, from the N.F.L.'s expanded Thursday night package, which gives each team a game in a short week, to potential baseball playoff situations that could affect the availability of stadiums and parking lots in October.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We have made provision to control for the confounding effects of an array of variables related to patients, professionals and care environments by means of detailed data collection and reliance on appropriate statistical methods.

BMC Health Services Research

The Delta Queen Steamboat Company offers a confounding variety of cruises ranging from 3 to 14 nights.

The New York Times - Travel

Odd, unnerving and utterly compelling, these works are a confounding collection of riddles.

The Guardian

They are a confounding mixture of the banal, the extreme, and the scintillating.

The New Yorker

They navigate a confounding thicket of tasks and rules.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a confounding array of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the confusion. Providing specific examples or details can help clarify the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "a confounding array of" when a simpler phrase like "many" or "various" would suffice. Overusing complex language can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a confounding array of" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that precedes a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is not only diverse but also presents a challenge to understanding or interpretation, as indicated by Ludwig AI. This complexity can stem from the sheer number of elements or their intricate relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a confounding array of" is a phrase used to describe a complex and potentially confusing collection of items or factors. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears in various contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media and Science. It is most effectively used when emphasizing the complexity and difficulty in understanding a particular subject. While there are several alternatives, such as "a bewildering collection of" or "a perplexing assortment of", choosing the most appropriate alternative depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure to avoid overusing the phrase in simple contexts where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perplexing assortment of

Replaces "confounding" with "perplexing" and "array" with "assortment", changing the specific nuance of confusion while maintaining the overall meaning.

a bewildering collection of

Substitutes "confounding" with "bewildering" and "array" with "collection", emphasizing the confusing nature of the group.

a complex range of

Replaces "confounding array" with "complex range", focusing on the intricacy rather than the confusion.

a confusing mix of

Replaces "confounding array" with "confusing mix", highlighting the jumbled and unclear nature of the elements.

an intricate network of

Substitutes the original phrase with "intricate network", suggesting a more interconnected and elaborate system.

a diverse selection of

Changes "confounding" to "diverse" and "array" to "selection", shifting the emphasis to variety rather than confusion.

a vast multitude of

Replaces the original with "vast multitude", focusing on the sheer number and scale.

a complicated series of

Substitutes "array" with "series", framing the items as sequential and complex.

a large number of

Simplifies the phrase to express a great quantity without emphasizing complexity or confusion.

various types of

Offers a generic alternative, focusing on the variety of items without specific connotations of confusion or complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "a confounding array of" in a sentence?

You can use "a confounding array of" to describe a group of items or concepts that are confusing or difficult to understand due to their complexity or variety. For example, "The data presented "a confounding array of" results, making it difficult to draw conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "a confounding array of"?

Alternatives include "a perplexing assortment of", "a bewildering collection of", or "a complex range of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "confounding" or "confusing" array?

"Confounding" implies a higher degree of complexity and difficulty in understanding than "confusing". "Confusing" suggests something is unclear, while "confounding" suggests something is actively misleading or perplexing. Choose the word that best reflects the level of difficulty involved.

Can "a confounding array of" be used to describe positive things?

While "confounding" often has a negative connotation, the phrase can be used in a neutral or even slightly positive way if the complexity it describes is seen as impressive or fascinating. However, ensure the context makes it clear that the complexity is not inherently negative. Otherwise, it is better to use alternatives like "a diverse selection of".