baffled at

USAGE SUMMARY

"baffled at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe feeling confused or dazed by something. For example: "I was baffled at how quickly he solved the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Baxter and Lewis were baffled at first.

The Guardian - Books

She looks baffled at the suggestion.

The Guardian

At times he has looked baffled at the plate.

The New York Times - Sports

This actor, Andrey Kuzichev, looks a bit baffled at first.

The New York Times

Martin shook his head, baffled at Joyce's outcome.

The Guardian - Film

"We are baffled at where to begin," he said.

The New York Times

"This sniper has everyone baffled at the moment," she said.

The New York Times

I'm baffled at how terrible he is handling this.

The New Yorker

Kim was baffled, at first, by Li's antics, his fire-breathing.

The New Yorker

The miners on the other side were baffled at first, then began to dance and shout.

The New Yorker

He looks baffled at my presence in the entourage of political journalists and party activists.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "baffled at" to express confusion or surprise when encountering something unexpected or difficult to understand. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid substituting "at" with other prepositions like "by" or "with" when intending to convey the specific meaning of being perplexed or confused by something. While "baffled by" can sometimes be used, "baffled at" is preferred when expressing surprise or disbelief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "baffled at" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It describes a state of being confused, perplexed, or surprised by something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "baffled at" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of confusion, surprise, or perplexity, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's often used in news and media contexts to convey someone's reaction to unexpected or difficult-to-understand events. While alternatives like "perplexed by" or "confused by" exist, "baffled at" specifically implies a sense of wonder or disbelief. When writing, ensure you use the correct preposition "at" to maintain the intended meaning. Remember, "baffled at" can be a versatile tool for expressing a range of reactions, from mild confusion to profound bewilderment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bewildered by

Implies a deeper sense of confusion and disorientation than "baffled at".

perplexed by

Indicates a state of being confused and uncertain about something, similar to "baffled at" but implies more active thought.

flummoxed by

A more informal term for being confused or perplexed, similar in intensity to "baffled at".

puzzled by

Suggests mild bewilderment and curiosity, less intense than "baffled at".

mystified by

Suggests something is mysterious and hard to understand, adding an element of intrigue.

confused by

A general term for not understanding something, simpler and more direct than "baffled at".

at a loss to explain

Expresses an inability to understand or provide a reason for something, focusing on the lack of explanation.

dumbfounded by

Suggests astonishment and speechlessness due to surprise or confusion, a stronger reaction than "baffled at".

unable to comprehend

Highlights a lack of understanding, often used in more formal contexts than "baffled at".

taken aback by

Indicates surprise and slight shock, rather than pure confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "baffled at" in a sentence?

You can use "baffled at" to express confusion or surprise. For example, "I was baffled at the sudden change in weather" or "She seemed baffled at his unexpected reaction".

What can I say instead of "baffled at"?

You can use alternatives such as "perplexed by", "confused by", or "puzzled by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "baffled by" instead of "baffled at"?

While "baffled by" is sometimes acceptable, "baffled at" is more precise when expressing surprise or disbelief. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "baffled at" and "surprised at"?

"Baffled at" indicates confusion and a lack of understanding, whereas "surprised at" simply means experiencing unexpected astonishment without necessarily implying confusion.