an enigma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an enigma" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Example: "The ancient artifact remained an enigma to historians, who could not decipher its origins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Narberth is an enigma.

The Guardian - Travel

They were an enigma.

The Guardian

You're such an enigma".

The New York Times - Magazine

Tyson was an enigma.

Independent

His personality remains an enigma.

The New Yorker

Ives's manuscript is an enigma.

The New Yorker

He was an enigma.

The Guardian - Books

More mysterious than an enigma?

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Gandhi remains an enigma.

The New York Times

But he remains an enigma.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I find him an enigma.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an enigma" when you want to convey a sense of mystery or something being difficult to fully comprehend. It's particularly effective when describing people, situations, or concepts that defy easy categorization or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "an enigma" to describe something that is merely unfamiliar or new. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine sense of inscrutability or mystery, rather than a lack of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an enigma" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement, object complement, or appositive, describing someone or something as mysterious or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an enigma" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that describes something mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Its prevalence in news, media, and scientific contexts suggests its value in conveying complex or inscrutable subjects. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "a mystery" or "a puzzle" to provide variety in your writing. Avoid overuse in overly simplistic situations. Its common use indicates that this is a perfectly viable option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mystery

Focuses on the element of something being unknown or unexplained.

a puzzle

Emphasizes the aspect of something needing to be solved or figured out.

an unsolved problem

Highlights the lack of a resolution or answer to a complex issue.

an unexplained phenomenon

Specifically refers to events or occurrences that lack a clear explanation.

a conundrum

Suggests a confusing and difficult problem or question.

a riddle

Implies a question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning.

a paradox

Highlights a seemingly self-contradictory statement or situation.

a question mark

Indicates uncertainty or doubt surrounding a topic or person.

a deep secret

Focuses on the hidden and concealed nature of something.

an ambiguity

Highlights the quality of being open to more than one interpretation.

FAQs

How can I use "an enigma" in a sentence?

You can use "an enigma" to describe something mysterious or difficult to understand. For example, "His behavior was "an enigma" to his colleagues."

What can I say instead of "an enigma"?

You can use alternatives like "a mystery", "a puzzle", or "an unsolved problem" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an enigma" or "a mystery"?

Both "an enigma" and "a mystery" are suitable, but "an enigma" suggests a deeper, more perplexing quality, while "a mystery" can refer to something simply unknown.

What makes something "an enigma"?

Something is considered "an enigma" when its nature, purpose, or origin is obscure, puzzling, or difficult to explain, often prompting curiosity and speculation.