adding to the confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

'adding to the confusion' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a complicated situation, problem, or issue that is made more complicated by an action or occurrence. For example: "The new regulations added to the confusion surrounding the implementation of the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Language and cultural barriers are adding to the confusion.

The Washington Post

Is what I'm doing adding to the confusion on Earth?

The New York Times - Style

But these work sheets may differ from the Good Faith form, further adding to the confusion.

The New York Times

Actual delivery will lag, however, adding to the confusion about when doctors will get their share.

The New York Times

A.D.P.'s data often varies from the government figures, however, adding to the confusion on Wall Street.

The New York Times

That the accident happened on Super Bowl Sunday was only adding to the confusion, Mr. Giuliano said.

The New York Times

Further adding to the confusion are the four manifestations of Vouvray: dry, off-dry, sweet and sparkling.

Forbes

The press releases also said that the potatoes were modified with ConA, adding to the confusion.

Wikipedia

Publishers are devaluing their own content as well by even adding to the confusion.

HuffPost

But adding to the confusion is one of the hashtags appended to the NRA's tweet containing the video — #ClenchedFistofTruth.

Vice

But adding to the confusion, some officials, particularly at Virginia's Washington Dulles Airport, are refusing to comply with court orders.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adding to the confusion", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the initial confusion is and how the new element contributes to it.

Common error

Avoid using "adding to the confusion" without clearly specifying what the existing confusion is. Ensure that the connection between the new element and the existing confusion is evident to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adding to the confusion" primarily functions as a modifier, indicating that something is increasing or exacerbating an existing state of uncertainty or lack of clarity. Ludwig's examples show its use across various domains to denote this augmenting effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adding to the confusion" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of increasing uncertainty or ambiguity in a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives exist, such as "complicating the issue further" or "heightening the ambiguity", this phrase offers a straightforward way to convey that something is making an already unclear situation even more perplexing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the initial confusion and how the new element contributes to it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicating the issue further

Shifts the focus to the action of making the issue more complex.

further complicating matters

Adds emphasis on the complexity of the situation.

heightening the ambiguity

Specifically emphasizes the increase in ambiguity, implying a lack of clarity.

exacerbating the uncertainty

Focuses on worsening the existing uncertainty, rather than simply adding to confusion.

intensifying the bewilderment

Highlights the growing feeling of being perplexed or disoriented.

muddying the waters

Uses a metaphor to describe making the situation less clear or transparent.

worsening the misunderstanding

Indicates that the existing misunderstanding is becoming more severe.

clouding the matter

Employs a metaphor to suggest obscuring or making the matter less understandable.

obfuscating the situation

Implies an intentional act of making the situation unclear or difficult to understand.

adding fuel to the fire

This idiom suggests worsening an already problematic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "adding to the confusion" in a sentence?

You can use "adding to the confusion" to indicate that something is making a situation more difficult to understand. For example, "The conflicting reports are "adding to the confusion" surrounding the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "adding to the confusion"?

Alternatives include "complicating the issue further", "heightening the ambiguity", or "exacerbating the uncertainty depending on the specific context".

What is the difference between "adding to the confusion" and "causing confusion"?

"Adding to the confusion" implies that some confusion already exists, and something is making it worse. "Causing confusion" suggests something is creating confusion where there might not have been any before.

Is "adding to the confusion" a formal or informal expression?

"Adding to the confusion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a relatively neutral expression commonly used in news reports, academic writing, and everyday conversation.