as perplexing as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as perplexing as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the level of perplexity or confusion of one thing to another. Example: "The instructions were as perplexing as trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It was as perplexing as it was brutal.

The New York Times

Sunday's loss was as perplexing as it was frustrating.

The New York Times - Sports

But the whole thing was just as perplexing as I thought it would be.

The New York Times

Such uncertainty and unanswered questions dominate "The Demon in the Freezer," making it as perplexing as the times.

The New York Times - Books

WITH so many college guidebooks on the market, picking one can be as perplexing as finding the right college.

The New York Times

MARIANNE BOESKY Organized by the independent curator Clarissa Dalrymple, "Crop Rotation" is almost as perplexing as Mr. Brannon's show, but it is more theatrically engaging.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Few films are as teasing, as perplexing and as purely unsettling as Mulholland Drive.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Chalabi, as perplexing and contentious as he was in the prelude to the war, will be staying behind, perhaps finally with an official grasp on power in Iraq that has always eluded him.

The New York Times

Mr. Fleischer's own daily White House briefings -- a form of democratic theater that can be as perplexing to foreign viewers as kabuki, and sometimes as lengthy -- may also become a staple of daily Iraqi programming, officials say.

The New York Times

Bruce N. Gyory, who teaches political science at the State University at Albany, said he was riveted by the contest, because he could not think of a Congressional primary for an open seat that was as wide open, or as perplexing, since Herman Badillo eked out a win over Peter F. Vallone Sr. in 1970.

The New York Times

He said he knew no one who had listened to the whole thing.The man could be just as perplexing, and played it up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as perplexing as", ensure that you are comparing two distinct items or concepts. This enhances clarity and provides a richer understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as perplexing as" in overly broad or general statements. Instead, ensure there is a clear and specific point of comparison. For instance, instead of saying 'Life is as perplexing as...', be specific: 'Navigating the healthcare system is as perplexing as deciphering ancient hieroglyphs'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as perplexing as" serves as a comparative conjunction, linking two elements that share a similar degree of complexity or confusion. Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as perplexing as" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative conjunction. It serves to equate two distinct entities based on their shared characteristic of being difficult to comprehend. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples across diverse domains, including News & Media and Science. When using "as perplexing as", clarity and specificity are key to effective communication, ensuring the comparison is both meaningful and impactful. Consider using alternatives such as "as confusing as" or "as mysterious as" to fine-tune the nuance of your comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as baffling as

Replaces 'perplexing' with 'baffling', suggesting a similar sense of confusion but perhaps more strongly implying being thwarted or stumped.

as confusing as

Uses 'confusing' as a direct synonym for 'perplexing', offering a more straightforward and widely understood term.

as puzzling as

Replaces 'perplexing' with 'puzzling', directly indicating something that poses a problem or riddle to be solved.

as bewildering as

Uses 'bewildering' in place of 'perplexing', implying a state of being completely puzzled or disoriented.

as mysterious as

Substitutes 'perplexing' with 'mysterious', shifting the focus to something enigmatic and difficult to understand.

as enigmatic as

Replaces 'perplexing' with 'enigmatic', highlighting the puzzling and obscure nature of something.

as unfathomable as

Substitutes 'perplexing' with 'unfathomable', conveying that something is impossible to fully understand or grasp.

as incomprehensible as

Replaces 'perplexing' with 'incomprehensible', suggesting that something cannot be understood at all.

as abstruse as

Uses 'abstruse' instead of 'perplexing', highlighting something that is obscure and difficult to penetrate.

as arcane as

Substitutes 'perplexing' with 'arcane', suggesting something understood by few and mysterious or secret.

FAQs

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

Use "as perplexing as" to draw a comparison between two things that are equally confusing or difficult to understand. For instance, "The instructions were "as perplexing as" trying to assemble furniture without a manual".

What's a good alternative to "as perplexing as"?

Alternatives include "as confusing as", "as baffling as", or "as mysterious as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "as perplexing as" formal or informal?

"As perplexing as" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the writing.

What makes something described as "as perplexing as" particularly difficult?

Something described as ""as perplexing as"" is difficult because it lacks clear explanations or logical connections, causing confusion and hindering understanding.