a perplexing array of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perplexing array of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a confusing or complicated collection of items, ideas, or situations. Example: "The scientist presented a perplexing array of data that left the audience questioning the validity of the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Compounding the problem is the fact that building an airtight house in which air quality can be maintained at optimal levels is complex, with a perplexing array of equipment and construction techniques available.

The New York Times

More often the public is benumbed by an unfathomable depth of detail and a perplexing array of claims.

Huffington Post

A perplexing array of neuroendocrine signaling pathways and feedback loops involving both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues regulate the body's intake, metabolism, storage, and expenditure of energy.

Core Evidence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The woman who inspired this perplexing array of responses was born into a prosperous and loving -- if also demanding and possessive -- family of secular Parisian Jews.

The New York Times - Books

More globally, we suggest that a systems biology approach that involves modeling is integral to sorting through the perplexing array of factors that dictate success or failure of clinical trials for complex diseases [87].

Plosone

The biologist interested in evolution finds a vast array of interesting and often perplexing problems in the study of frogs, such as the relatively sudden decline of many frog species since the late 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That was a perplexing turn of events.

The New York Times

This is a perplexing bundle of criticisms.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday, as Nikiya, Diana Vishneva delivered a perplexing mixture of devout beauty and lack of focus.

The New York Times - Arts

In recent days Iran has sent a perplexing series of conflicting signals.

The New York Times

"The Ring Two" is a perplexing compound of the silly and the glum.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a perplexing array of", ensure that the items being described genuinely cause confusion or require careful consideration to understand. Avoid using it for simple or easily understood collections.

Common error

Avoid using "a perplexing array of" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "bewildering assortment of" or "confusing collection of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perplexing array of" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that precedes a noun. It serves to characterize the noun as a confusing or complicated collection. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a perplexing array of" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a confusing or complicated collection of items, ideas, or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, though its frequency is relatively rare. It appears most often in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the items being described genuinely warrant the descriptor of being "perplexing", and consider varying your vocabulary to avoid overuse. Alternatives include "bewildering assortment of" or "confusing collection of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bewildering assortment of

Replaces "perplexing" with "bewildering" and "array" with "assortment", emphasizing confusion and variety.

a confusing collection of

Uses more straightforward language, replacing "perplexing" with "confusing" and "array" with "collection".

a puzzling compilation of

Substitutes "perplexing" with "puzzling" and "array" with "compilation", highlighting the enigmatic nature of the collection.

a mystifying range of

Replaces "perplexing" with "mystifying" and "array" with "range", suggesting the collection is difficult to understand.

a baffling selection of

Emphasizes the incomprehensibility of the selection by using "baffling" instead of "perplexing" and "selection" instead of "array".

a complex assortment of

Focuses on the complexity rather than the confusing nature, swapping "perplexing" with "complex" and "array" with "assortment".

a complicated collection of

Simple substitution of "perplexing" with "complicated" and "array" with "collection", maintaining a similar meaning.

a tangled web of

Offers a more metaphorical expression, suggesting the collection is intertwined and difficult to unravel.

an intricate mix of

Uses "intricate" to highlight the complex and detailed nature of the "mix", differing slightly from the original's emphasis on confusion.

a diverse spectrum of

Shifts the focus to the variety within the collection rather than its confusing nature, using "diverse" and "spectrum".

FAQs

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

You can use "a perplexing array of" to describe a complicated or confusing collection of things. For example, "The data presented a perplexing array of contradictory findings."

What does "a perplexing array of" mean?

It means a confusing or complicated collection or assortment of items, ideas, or information.

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

You can use alternatives like "confusing assortment of", "bewildering collection of", or "puzzling compilation of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a perplexing array of" or "a confusing array of"?

"A perplexing array of" and "a confusing array of" are similar, but "perplexing" suggests a deeper level of bewilderment or difficulty to understand than simply "confusing". Choose the one that best reflects the degree of difficulty.