baffled by

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".

The New York Times - Sports

They're baffled by largo, andante,.

The New Yorker

Some are baffled by him.

The New York Times - Sports

Kramer was baffled by this.

The New Yorker

"He's baffled by acting.

The New York Times

Dungy was baffled by the move.

The New York Times - Sports

They seemed equally baffled by Beckett.

The New York Times - Sports

He was baffled by these words.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

Trilling was baffled by the attention.

The New Yorker

She is baffled by the Kukkiwon policy.

The New Yorker

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".

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.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perplexed by

Replaces "baffled" with "perplexed", suggesting a state of mental uncertainty or confusion.

confounded by

Uses "confounded" instead of "baffled", implying being bewildered or confused, often to a frustrating degree.

mystified by

Substitutes "baffled" with "mystified", indicating a state of bewilderment as if confronted with a mystery.

bewildered by

Replaces "baffled" with "bewildered", suggesting a feeling of being perplexed and confused.

puzzled by

Uses "puzzled" instead of "baffled", suggesting a mild state of confusion or uncertainty.

at a loss to understand

Offers a more descriptive alternative, indicating an inability to comprehend something.

unable to comprehend

Focuses on the lack of understanding, providing a straightforward alternative.

unable to fathom

Emphasizes the inability to deeply understand or grasp something.

bemused by

Implies a state of mild confusion and amusement, a slightly lighter form of being "baffled".

at sea regarding

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a feeling of being lost or confused about something.

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.