as puzzling as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as puzzling as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of confusion or complexity of one thing to another. Example: "The riddle was as puzzling as the most difficult brain teaser I had ever encountered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Many Americans find such constitutional fundamentalism as puzzling as the religious fundamentalism of the Southern Baptists.

The New York Times

That idea is nearly as puzzling as the idea that he didn't speak.

The New Yorker

He remains a mystery, his motives as puzzling as Hamlet's; this, of course, only increases our fascination in him.

The Guardian - Books

Just as puzzling as Bouwer's lack of motive was his poor judgment; he was weirdly careless about covering his tracks.

The New Yorker

For fans, and even some contestants, it can be as puzzling as an enigma wrapped in a riddle.

The New York Times - Sports

But will any of these companies prove as puzzling as the National Ballet of Cuba, now at the Coliseum?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The figures were puzzling as well as perturbing.

The Economist

How genes and environment interface to generate major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia has been puzzling, as are the relative roles of neurons and glia in such disturbances.

Trends in Neurosciences

This is a lot less puzzling as soon as you realize the Kenyan national team is sponsored by Oregon's own Nike.

The New York Times

Yet there's something puzzling as well as false and impolite about the mayor's outburst in his New Statesman interview with Jemima Khan.

The Guardian

Miss Thorne's sudden change of behavior is as puzzling to the audience as it is to the children, because it seems completely uncalled for.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as puzzling as", ensure that the items being compared are actually comparable in their level of complexity or mystery to maintain logical consistency.

Common error

Avoid using "as puzzling as" when you only intend to describe one thing as puzzling. Always ensure there is a clear comparison being made to avoid confusing your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as puzzling as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to draw a parallel between the level of difficulty or mystery associated with two different subjects, indicating they are similarly perplexing. Ludwig AI shows various examples of its use in comparing abstract concepts and concrete situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Books

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as puzzling as" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to equate the level of confusion or mystery between two subjects. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its frequent use in news and media, books, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. The phrase effectively communicates the difficulty in understanding something by relating it to another equally perplexing subject. Best practices include ensuring a clear comparison is made, while common errors involve using the phrase when only describing one puzzling subject. Given the diverse applications and high source quality, "as puzzling as" is a reliable and expressive tool for conveying complexity and intrigue in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally perplexing

Replaces "puzzling" with "perplexing" for a slightly more formal tone.

just as baffling

Substitutes "puzzling" with "baffling", emphasizing the confusing nature.

no less mysterious

Uses "mysterious" to highlight the enigmatic quality of something.

as bewildering as

Emphasizes the confusing and disorienting nature of something.

comparably enigmatic

Employs "enigmatic" to suggest a deep, inscrutable mystery.

similarly confusing

Focuses on the confusing aspect, providing a more straightforward alternative.

of equal complexity

Highlights the intricate and complicated nature of the subject.

as incomprehensible as

Stresses the difficulty in understanding something.

just as unintelligible

Indicates that something is impossible to understand.

equally obscure

Suggests that something is hidden or not easily discovered, making it hard to understand.

FAQs

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

Use "as puzzling as" to compare something difficult to understand with something else equally confusing. For example, "The instructions were "as puzzling as" hieroglyphics."

What are some alternatives to "as puzzling as"?

Alternatives include "equally perplexing", "just as baffling", or "no less mysterious". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as puzzled as"?

While "puzzled" describes a state of confusion, "as puzzled as" is grammatically sound when comparing someone's state to another's. However, ""as puzzling as"" is used for things that cause confusion rather than the state of confusion itself.

What is the difference between "as puzzling as" and "as confusing as"?

"As puzzling as" suggests a deeper, more enigmatic kind of confusion, while "as confusing as" is more general. Something "puzzling" might require more thought to resolve.