bewilderment at

USAGE SUMMARY

'bewilderment at' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling of confusion or surprise at something. For example: "The crowd showed bewilderment at the announcement of the winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I mentioned Vora's bewilderment at their product.

The Guardian - Business

I sometimes saw officers standing in bewilderment at the buffet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some literary observers expressed bewilderment at the fiction selections.

The New York Times - Books

Delegates professed bewilderment at the running mates run amok.

The New York Times

I am still shaking my head in bewilderment at the sheer improbability of it all.

Independent

Outsiders frequently express bewilderment at the American predilection for near-permanent electioneering.

The New York Times

An estimated 2,000 people attended the rally to express anger and bewilderment at the ruling.

The New York Times

They walked slowly, gazing in bewilderment at a scene that they could only struggle to comprehend.

The New York Times

Australians from all walks of life are expressing their dismay and bewilderment at our government's conduct.

The Guardian - Opinion

Coach Byron Scott could only shake his head in bewilderment at the Philips Arena in Atlanta.

The New York Times - Sports

The developer, Ralph Gometz, alternated between frustration and bewilderment at the impasse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bewilderment at", ensure the object of the preposition ('at') is clear and directly related to the cause of the confusion. For example, "Her bewilderment at the sudden change was evident."

Common error

Avoid using "bewilderment at" when a simpler word like 'confusion' would suffice. "Bewilderment" carries a stronger emotional charge and implies a deeper sense of being perplexed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bewilderment at" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, typically indicating the cause or object of the bewilderment. It describes a state of confusion or perplexity directed toward something specific, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bewilderment at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, expressing confusion or perplexity directed toward a specific cause. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to convey both the emotional and cognitive response to something perplexing. While alternatives like "confusion about" or "astonishment at" exist, "bewilderment at" carries a distinct nuance of deeper perplexity, making it a powerful choice when conveying a profound sense of not understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confusion about

Focuses more on the mental state of not understanding something, rather than the emotional reaction.

astonishment at

Emphasizes surprise and wonder, often implying a positive or neutral connotation.

dismay over

Highlights disappointment and concern, suggesting a negative outcome or situation.

surprise by

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the event or situation.

perplexity regarding

Implies a deeper, more intellectual form of confusion or puzzlement.

amazement by

Stresses a sense of wonder and disbelief, often at something impressive or remarkable.

shock at

Highlights the sudden and often unsettling nature of the experience.

incredulity towards

Emphasizes the difficulty of believing something, often due to its improbability.

disconcertment with

Implies a feeling of unease or disturbance, often due to unexpected circumstances.

disorientation from

Focuses on the feeling of being lost or confused, often in a physical or metaphorical sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "bewilderment at" to describe a state of confusion or perplexity in response to something. For example, "They expressed "dismay at" the unexpected news" or "She stared in "amazement by" the complex instructions".

What are some alternatives to "bewilderment at"?

Some alternatives include "confusion about", "astonishment at", or "dismay over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "bewilderment at" or "bewilderment with"?

"Bewilderment at" is generally more appropriate when referring to the cause or source of the bewilderment. "Bewilderment with" is less common but could be used to describe a general feeling of being bewildered, though alternatives like "confusion about" are usually clearer.

What's the difference between "bewilderment at" and "surprise at"?

"Surprise at" indicates a feeling of being taken aback by something unexpected. "Bewilderment at", on the other hand, suggests a deeper level of confusion and a struggle to understand something that doesn't make sense. Consider alternatives like "shock at" or ""amazement by"".