be more confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more confusing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to increase in complexity or difficulty to understand. Example: "If we change the rules again, it will only serve to be more confusing for the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

During the "design history" courses, matching periods, designers, and products could be more confusing for students.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

To the students from the Bronx, the attention could hardly be more confusing.

The New York Times

And now, we're five episodes in and it couldn't be more confusing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Opponents of the measure, mainly 410(k) providers, argue that more information would be more confusing.

The New York Times

And unlike, say, tax proposals, which voters are more efficient at determining what would be better for them, the jobs issue may be more confusing.

The New York Times

The report's formal submission to the Department of Justice will only begin a process that could, if anything, be more confusing and chaotic than much of what has come before.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

However, I feel this article oversimplifies things and will lead some people to be more confused.

Harvard University

Some have argued against these concerns, replying that a cloned child would not necessarily be more confused about her family ties than other children.

SEP

We hypothesised that mental images would be more confused with having actually seen a pictured object than would alternative representations, such as verbal descriptions.

Cognition and Emotion

The truth is more confusing.

The Economist

It's more confusing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be more confusing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is becoming more confusing and why. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be more confusing" without specifying what is becoming confusing. Vague statements can leave the reader unclear about the subject of confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more confusing" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It indicates a relative increase in the state of being confusing. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to describe situations, explanations, or processes that are becoming harder to understand.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be more confusing" effectively conveys an increasing lack of clarity or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, clarity is key: specify what exactly is becoming "more confusing" to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "add to the confusion" or "further complicate matters" for nuanced expression. By providing context and avoiding overuse without specific details, you can use this phrase to precisely articulate growing bewilderment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become less clear

Focuses on a decline in clarity and ease of comprehension.

create further misunderstanding

Highlights a rise in likelihood of misinterpretation.

add to the confusion

Focuses on actively increasing existing confusion.

become more perplexing

Emphasizes the growing sense of bafflement and difficulty in understanding.

increase ambiguity

Highlights a rise in uncertainty and lack of distinctness.

further complicate matters

Highlights the addition of complexity, making understanding more difficult.

exacerbate bewilderment

Implies making an existing state of confusion even worse.

muddy the waters

Uses a metaphor to describe making a situation less clear.

deepen the mystery

Suggests adding layers of complexity, making something harder to understand.

obfuscate the issue

Emphasizes the act of making something obscure or unclear, often intentionally.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be more confusing" in a sentence?

You can replace "be more confusing" with alternatives such as "add to the confusion", "further complicate matters", or "muddy the waters" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something "is more confusing"?

When something "is more confusing", it means it is becoming harder to understand or causing greater bewilderment than before. It suggests an increase in complexity or lack of clarity.

Is it better to say "be more confusing" or "become more confusing"?

Both "be more confusing" and "become more confusing" are grammatically correct. "Become more confusing" emphasizes a process of change over time, while "be more confusing" can refer to a state.

How can I avoid making my writing "be more confusing"?

To avoid making your writing "be more confusing", use clear and concise language, provide sufficient context, and organize your thoughts logically. Consider using examples to illustrate complex points and avoid jargon where possible.