a perplexing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

'a perplexing problem' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult and confusing issue. For example, "The economic fallout of the pandemic is a perplexing problem for governments around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Roosevelt insisted that federal management of the nation's resources was necessary to ensure wise development, regulate proper use, and promote prudent conservation for future needs.20 But when it came to regulating farmland, aggressive government action presented a perplexing problem.

Stanford University

Suicide is a perplexing problem.

The Washington Post

Mrs. Megawati has proved a perplexing problem for the Bush administration.

The New York Times

Mr. McKelvey also says he believes the Fed faces a perplexing problem today.

The New York Times

The optimization of single- and three-phase induction machines is based on sinusoidal quantities neglecting the influence of spatial and time harmonics in flux densities, voltages, and currents Motor winding failures have long been a perplexing problem for electrical engineers.

Power Quality in Power Systems and Electrical Machines

What a judge should do with a defendant whose courtroom antics may not be volitional is a perplexing problem which we should not reach except on a clear record.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This is must reading for all concerned with this perplexing problem.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In terms of site disposal, the board has exercised great prudence in dealing with this perplexing problem.

Los Angeles Times

By E. B. White The New Yorker, December 26 , 1931 P. 17Everyone is aware that one of the moat perplexing problems of a playwright is getting his charactera on and off the stage--which has to be accomplished in order to allow other characters to talk together privately... View Article By John Cassidy By Rebecca Mead By Jia Tolentino By Anthony Lane.

The New Yorker

With an unmatched ability to break down perplexing problems and find solutions that generate profits and results, Melchiorri has parlayed his skills to form his own company, Argeo Hospitality, consulting on hotel projects for private owners and investors and specializing in revenue management.

Huffington Post

However, we are aware of the gravity of the perplexing problems surrounding the issue of EV.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "problem", use "a perplexing problem" to convey not just difficulty, but also a sense of bewilderment and confusion surrounding the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a perplexing problem" too frequently in your writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a puzzling issue" or "a baffling question."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perplexing problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "perplexing" modifies the noun "problem". It serves to describe a specific type of problem – one that is confusing and difficult to understand. Ludwig highlights its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a perplexing problem" is a valid and useful phrase for describing a situation that is difficult to understand or resolve. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and usability across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic writing, suggesting a neutral to professional tone. While alternatives like "a puzzling issue" or "a baffling question" exist, "a perplexing problem" specifically emphasizes the bewilderment and confusion associated with the issue. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid repetition in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a puzzling issue

Replaces "perplexing" with "puzzling", emphasizing the confusing nature of the issue.

a baffling question

Substitutes "problem" with "question" and "perplexing" with "baffling", highlighting the incomprehensibility of the question.

a challenging dilemma

Replaces "perplexing" with "challenging" and "problem" with "dilemma", focusing on the difficulty in finding a solution.

an intricate difficulty

Replaces "perplexing" with "intricate" and "problem" with "difficulty", emphasizing the complex nature of the challenge.

a thorny issue

Uses the metaphor "thorny" to describe the problematic nature of the issue, implying it is difficult to handle.

a complicated matter

Replaces "perplexing" with "complicated" and "problem" with "matter", focusing on the complex nature of the situation.

an enigma

Uses "enigma" to describe something mysterious and difficult to understand, replacing the entire phrase.

a riddle

Uses "riddle" to describe something confusing or difficult to solve, replacing the entire phrase.

a head-scratcher

Uses the informal term "head-scratcher" to describe something that causes confusion, replacing the entire phrase.

a knotty question

Replaces "perplexing" with "knotty" and "problem" with "question", highlighting that the question is intricate and difficult to resolve.

FAQs

How can I use "a perplexing problem" in a sentence?

You can use "a perplexing problem" to describe a situation that is difficult to understand or solve. For example, "The sudden drop in sales is "a perplexing problem" for the company."

What can I say instead of "a perplexing problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a puzzling issue", "a baffling question", or "a challenging dilemma" depending on the context.

Is "a perplexing problem" formal or informal?

"A perplexing problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often found in news articles, academic papers, and general discussions.

What makes something "a perplexing problem"?

A "perplexing problem" is characterized by its complexity and the difficulty in understanding its causes or finding a solution. It often involves elements of confusion and uncertainty.