as confusing as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as confusing as possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, explanation, or set of instructions that is intentionally made difficult to understand. Example: "The instructions were written in a way that was as confusing as possible, leaving everyone puzzled."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was as confusing as it sounds.

The New York Times

Individuals and firms that design and sell different kinds of derivatives have an incentive to make them as complicated and confusing as possible, he added.

The New York Times

Under CEO Jack Dorsey, who took over about a year ago, the company has said it's going to try to make the service as straightforward — and less confusing — as possible.

TechCrunch

The rules of Guyball are never fully explained, and are designed to be as confusing and as difficult to understand as possible.

Wikipedia

As soon as possible.

The New York Times

As little as possible.

Independent

"As early as possible".

The New York Times

Butch Otter" as often as possible.

The New York Times

Be as prepared as possible.

The Guardian

As quickly as possible.

Forbes

Osbon: As soon as possible.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as confusing as possible" to emphasize a deliberate intention to create confusion or a situation that is inherently perplexing. Ensure that the context supports this intent to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "as confusing as possible" when you mean something is simply complex or difficult to understand. This phrase implies a deliberate attempt to obfuscate, which may not always be the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as confusing as possible" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to emphasize the extreme degree of confusion. It's used to highlight that something is not just confusing, but designed or intended to be so. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as confusing as possible" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to emphasize the intentional creation of confusion. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare, and it may be perceived as somewhat informal. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a deliberate attempt to obfuscate, and consider more formal alternatives like "intentionally obfuscated" in professional settings. When using similar structures, remember that depending on your word choices, the whole sentence can vary a lot in tone and intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Designed to be incomprehensible

Directly states the intent of being impossible to understand.

Deliberately perplexing

Focuses on the intention behind the confusion.

Rendered utterly unintelligible

Stresses the complete lack of understanding.

Intentionally baffling

Highlights the deliberate nature of causing bewilderment.

Purposely bewildering

Emphasizes the goal of creating confusion.

Obfuscated to the highest degree

Focuses on the act of making something obscure and unclear.

Made as intricate as it could be

Shifts focus to the complexity contributing to confusion.

Convoluted to the extreme

Emphasizes the highly complex and tangled nature of something.

As opaque as can be

Uses a metaphor to describe the lack of clarity.

As muddled as humanly achievable

Highlights the extreme level of disorder and lack of clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "as confusing as possible" in a sentence?

Use "as confusing as possible" to describe something intentionally designed to be difficult to understand. For example: "The instructions were written in a way that was "as confusing as possible"."

What are some alternatives to "as confusing as possible"?

You can use phrases like "deliberately perplexing", "intentionally baffling", or "designed to be incomprehensible" as alternatives to "as confusing as possible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as confusing as possible" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as confusing as possible" might be perceived as slightly informal due to its directness. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "intentionally obfuscated" or "deliberately complex" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "complex" and "as confusing as possible"?

"Complex" refers to something with many interconnected parts, making it difficult to understand. "As confusing as possible" implies a deliberate effort to make something unintelligible, which is a stronger and more intentional statement.