a puzzling array of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a puzzling array of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a confusing or complex collection of items, ideas, or phenomena. Example: "The scientist presented a puzzling 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

1 human-written examples

I had to quit my job as a physician to devote most of my waking hours to dealing with our broken healthcare system and a puzzling array of public programs.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Think of the puzzling array of Versace sport shirts Nicholson wore when he played a dog-groomer-slash-whatever in "Man Trouble" a few years back.

The New York Times - Magazine

The wide and rather puzzling array of toxic effects induced in animals by high levels of TCDD are apparently all receptor-mediated responses to the chemical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But an even better reason to visit this stunning show is to see how the myth of a Roman emperor has been created - and continues to be created - out of our own imagination and the dazzling but sometimes puzzling array of statues, silver plates and lost keys of slaughtered Jewish freedom-fighters.

The Guardian - Books

The most striking aspect of their study, in my opinion, is the strange and sometimes puzzling array of findings.

Huffington Post

This puzzling array of molecular and functional properties ascribed to the dysbindin protein from brain underscores the need of further research aimed at ascertaining its biological significance in health and disease.

ASN Neuro

Avoid!"[10] According to Gendler, aliefs explain a wide array of otherwise puzzling cases of belief-behavior discordance, including not only implicit bias, but also phobias, fictional emotions, and bad habits (2008b: 554).

SEP

Kessler points to a puzzling aspect of Rice's record.

The New York Times

In the next fight, an Iranian boxer, Ali Mazaheri, was disqualified, after a puzzling flurry of warnings.

The New Yorker

For the casual observer, it may have been a puzzling set of comments.

The New York Times

BARACK OBAMA invited a puzzling group of people into the White House on December 5th: university presidents.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing tangible items, consider if "collection", "assortment", or "mix" might be more descriptive than "array".

Common error

Avoid using "a puzzling array of" when describing something simple or easily understood. This phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely involve complexity and potential confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a puzzling array of" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase describing a noun. The adjective "puzzling" characterizes the "array", indicating that it is difficult to understand or interpret. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a puzzling array of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a complex or confusing collection. While not very common, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing, according to Ludwig. Alternatives include phrases like "a perplexing assortment of" or "a bewildering collection of". Remember to use this phrase when you genuinely want to convey both confusion and variety. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perplexing assortment of

Replaces "puzzling" with "perplexing" and "array" with "assortment", emphasizing the confusing nature of the collection.

a bewildering collection of

Substitutes "puzzling" with "bewildering", highlighting the confusing and overwhelming nature of the collection.

a confusing assortment of

Uses "confusing" instead of "puzzling", focusing directly on the lack of clarity.

a complex range of

Replaces "puzzling" with "complex" and "array" with "range", highlighting the intricacy and variety.

a mysterious collection of

Emphasizes the enigmatic nature of the collection by using "mysterious" instead of "puzzling".

a strange assortment of

Focuses on the odd or unusual nature of the collection.

an intricate mix of

Highlights the detailed and interwoven nature of the elements by using "intricate mix".

a varied collection of

Shifts the focus to the diversity within the collection.

a diverse spectrum of

Emphasizes the wide range and variety of elements.

a curious mix of

Focuses on the intriguing or unusual aspect of the combination.

FAQs

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

You can use "a puzzling array of" to describe a complex or confusing collection of items or ideas. For example: "The museum presented a puzzling array of artifacts from different historical periods." or "The report contained a puzzling array of conflicting data points."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a confusing collection of", "a bewildering assortment of", or "a complex range of".

Is "a puzzling array of" formal or informal?

"A puzzling array of" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts, but simpler language might be preferable in very informal situations.

What's the difference between "a puzzling array of" and "a confusing array of"?

While similar, "puzzling" suggests something that is difficult to understand, while "confusing" implies a lack of clarity or order. "A puzzling array of" might be challenging to interpret, while "a confusing array of" is simply disorganized or unclear.