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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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baffled by

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "baffled by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is unable to understand or comprehend something. For example: "The professor was baffled by the student's response to the challenging question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm baffled by it".

They're baffled by largo, andante,.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Some are baffled by him.

Kramer was baffled by this.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"He's baffled by acting.

News & Media

The New York Times

Dungy was baffled by the move.

They seemed equally baffled by Beckett.

He was baffled by these words.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The F.B.I. was baffled by Sartre.

News & Media

The New York Times

Trilling was baffled by the attention.

News & Media

The New Yorker

She is baffled by the Kukkiwon policy.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "baffled by", ensure the subject experiencing the bewilderment is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid replacing the preposition "by" with other prepositions like "with" or "at". The correct form is always "baffled by".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "baffled by" functions as an adjective phrase, describing a state of confusion or bewilderment. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is experiencing difficulty in understanding something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "baffled by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express confusion or a lack of understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjective phrase and is versatile enough for various contexts, though primarily found in news and media. While alternatives like "perplexed by" or "mystified by" exist, "baffled by" remains a clear and effective choice. Remember to use the correct preposition "by" to avoid grammatical errors. Ludwig’s examples highlight its prevalence in authoritative sources, ensuring its reliability in your writing.

FAQs

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

Use "baffled by" to express confusion or lack of understanding about something. For example, "The detective was baffled by the lack of evidence at the crime scene."

What's the difference between "confused by" and "baffled by"?

While both convey a lack of understanding, "baffled by" suggests a greater degree of bewilderment or perplexity than "confused by".

What can I say instead of "baffled by"?

You can use alternatives like "perplexed by", "mystified by", or "bewildered by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "baffled with" instead of "baffled by"?

No, "baffled by" is the correct and standard usage. "Baffled with" is grammatically incorrect.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: