a moment of confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a moment of confusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief period when someone is unsure or unclear about something. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, there was a moment of confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I just had a moment of confusion".

The New Yorker

And then a moment of confusion.

The Guardian - Sport

In a moment of confusion, Stoudemire and Chandler jogged over to set Anthony a screen.

The New York Times

The second is a moment of confusion as the boy is smuggled on a crowded bus.

The Guardian - Opinion

One SME worker, in a moment of confusion, thought it was meant to be a ham.

The New York Times - Magazine

A moment of confusion born of his fatigue and their stress?

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"We are in a moment of complete confusion between what was and what will be.

The New York Times

Under his arm he held what, in a moment of brief confusion, Ilona took for a wine bottle.

The New Yorker

These questions come at a moment of utter confusion about the Trump team's position on repealing the Affordable Care Act.

The New York Times

What looked like a moment of failure, confusion, or ugliness in this well-known work is better seen as directions for reading the whole.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, it is a shame that he would turn a moment of emotional confusion on the part of the V.P. into one of callous disregard for Mrs. Reagan.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms or alternatives to "a moment of confusion" for a more impactful statement.

Common error

While acceptable, "a moment of confusion" can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise language like "a period of ambiguity" or "a state of uncertainty" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moment of confusion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a temporary state of uncertainty or disorientation. Ludwig examples showcase the phrase's versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moment of confusion" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a brief period of uncertainty or lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. While suitable for various contexts, opting for more precise language might be beneficial in formal settings. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media, as seen in the Ludwig examples, highlighting its relevance in describing real-world scenarios. Related phrases, like "a brief period of uncertainty" or "a fleeting state of bewilderment", offer similar shades of meaning for enhanced expressiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief period of uncertainty

Emphasizes the temporary nature and the lack of clarity.

a lapse in understanding

Highlights a temporary failure to comprehend something.

a fleeting state of bewilderment

Focuses on the short-lived and puzzling nature of the experience.

a temporary lack of clarity

Stresses the absence of clear understanding for a limited time.

a sudden wave of perplexity

Highlights the abrupt and puzzling nature of the experience.

a short-lived disorientation

Focuses on the temporary loss of bearings or clear thinking.

a momentary mental fog

Uses a metaphor to describe the temporary clouding of thought.

a quick spell of ambiguity

Focuses on the ambiguous nature and its temporary duration.

a passing cloud of uncertainty

Employs a metaphor to convey the transient nature of doubt.

a temporary state of disorientation

Expresses a brief lack of awareness of one's position in relation to the environment.

FAQs

How can I use "a moment of confusion" in a sentence?

You can use "a moment of confusion" to describe a brief period of uncertainty or misunderstanding, such as, "During the presentation, there was "a moment of confusion" when the speaker skipped a slide."

What are some alternatives to "a moment of confusion"?

Alternatives include "a brief period of uncertainty", "a lapse in understanding", or "a fleeting state of bewilderment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a moment of confusions"?

No, the correct phrase is "a moment of confusion". "Confusion" is typically an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form in this context.

What's the difference between "a moment of confusion" and "a state of confusion"?

"A moment of confusion" implies a brief, temporary instance of uncertainty, whereas "a state of confusion" suggests a more prolonged or persistent condition of being unclear or disoriented.