a perplexing combination of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perplexing combination of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, object, or idea that consists of elements that are confusing or difficult to understand together. Example: "The dish was a perplexing combination of sweet and savory flavors that left diners intrigued."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

While Coldplay have the back catalogue, hits and popularity worthy of their headline status, pairing them with U2 is a perplexing combination, considering how similar they are, sharing in fit-for-stadiums anthemic rock.

Independent

That was a perplexing turn of events.

The New York Times

This is a perplexing bundle of criticisms.

The New Yorker

What you see is a perplexing panorama of contradictions.

The New York Times

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

And for many people, social phobia is still experienced as a perplexing series of private defeats.

The New York Times - Health

Jeremy bravely hung in there, offering analysis in the face of a perplexing barrage of results.

BBC

A perplexing property of lamprey is that 15α-hydroxy-steroids are active steroids.

Plosone

This is a perplexing set of observations, not yet fully understood.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a perplexing combination of", ensure that the elements you are combining are clearly defined. This will help the reader understand the source of the perplexity.

Common error

Avoid using "a perplexing combination of" as a generic descriptor. Always provide specific details about what makes the combination perplexing to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perplexing combination of" functions as a descriptive element, often preceding a noun phrase. It indicates that the subject is characterized by a confusing or puzzling mix of components. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a perplexing combination of" is used to describe something that is confusing because it is made up of different elements that don't easily make sense together. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, its use is found across various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to provide specific details to clarify the source of confusion. Alternatives such as "a baffling mix of" or "an intricate blend of" may be used to convey similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a baffling mix of

Substitutes "perplexing" with "baffling", emphasizing the bewildering nature of the combination.

a confusing array of

Highlights the confusing and structured nature of the elements.

an intricate blend of

Replaces "perplexing" with "intricate", focusing on complexity rather than confusion.

a bewildering assortment of

Focuses on the disorienting variety with "bewildering" and "assortment".

a complex interplay of

Focuses on the interaction and complexity rather than confusion.

a puzzling amalgamation of

Replaces "combination" with "amalgamation", highlighting the merging of different elements in a puzzling manner.

a disorienting convergence of

Emphasizes disorientation and the coming together of elements.

a mystifying synthesis of

Changes "perplexing" to "mystifying" and "combination" to "synthesis", suggesting a more enigmatic merging.

an unsettling juxtaposition of

Suggests unease with "unsettling" and uses "juxtaposition" for elements placed side by side.

an incomprehensible fusion of

Emphasizes the lack of understanding with "incomprehensible" and uses "fusion" for a blending effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perplexing combination of" to describe something that is confusing because it contains different elements that are difficult to understand together. For instance, "The new policy is a perplexing combination of old regulations and modern concepts."

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

Alternatives include "a baffling mix of", "an intricate blend of", or "a puzzling amalgamation of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a perplexing combination" or "a perplexed combination"?

"A perplexing combination" is correct. "Perplexing" describes something that causes confusion, while "perplexed" describes someone who is feeling confused.

What's the difference between "a perplexing combination of" and "an intriguing mix of"?

"A perplexing combination of" emphasizes confusion or difficulty in understanding, while "an intriguing mix of" suggests something interesting or fascinating, even if it's complex. The former highlights a challenge to comprehension, the latter, a captivating complexity.