confused

USAGE SUMMARY

"confused" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or situation which is uncertain, unclear, or perplexed. For example: "The professor's explanation of the theorem had left me feeling confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A body's function is far more intricate and important than looking 'beach ready', so in fact it is Protein World who have confused their priorities, if anyone".

The Guardian

Others were terrified, frightened, confused, angry, intimidated and tearful".

The Guardian

He's confused".

The New York Times

There was a certain amount of tutting on social media when Kennedy was on Question Time in March, clearly confused and not his usual, sharp self.

The Guardian - Opinion

So many people are still confused about what it is that they're supposed to do and how they're supposed to go about it.

The Guardian

I think if you're Jane Seymour - I always cite her because we're often confused with one another - if you're that kind of actress, you can do that kind of work.

The Guardian - Film

And not because they've all specifically endorsed Lucas, and not the rest of the Green party, which makes the whole thing look confused beyond belief.

The Guardian

A biologist at the University of Vermont, Heinrich was initially confused.

The Guardian

It is hardly surprising that, for some of us at least, our political compass currently feels confused.

The Guardian

It was mid-morning and Young OG was confused over whether he was getting robbed or stopped by police.

The Guardian

Belief that their needs are less likely to be met by private than by public enterprise must not be confused with defending the producers' vested interests.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex situation, follow "confused" with a clarifying phrase to specify the source of confusion (e.g., "confused about the instructions").

Common error

Avoid using "confused" without a clear subject. Instead of saying "It's confused", specify who or what is "confused" (e.g., "The audience was confused").

Linguistic Context

The word "confused" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of mental uncertainty, disorientation, or lack of clear understanding. As shown by Ludwig, it can describe someone who is puzzled by a situation or someone in a state of bewilderment. Ludwig AI confirms its role as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confused" is a versatile and frequently used adjective that accurately describes a state of uncertainty or lack of understanding. As noted by Ludwig, it fits well across diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. When employing "confused" in writing, ensure a clear subject and consider alternatives like "perplexed" or "bewildered" for subtle nuances. Being mindful of these points will enhance the clarity and precision of your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perplexed

Indicates a state of being puzzled or bewildered, similar to confused but can imply a deeper level of mental engagement.

bewildered

Suggests a state of being completely puzzled or disoriented, often due to complexity or suddenness.

disoriented

Implies a loss of sense of direction, time, or identity, extending beyond mere confusion to a more profound disruption.

puzzled

Describes a state of mild confusion or curiosity, often prompting investigation or thought.

baffled

Indicates a state of being utterly confused and unable to understand something.

muddled

Suggests that thoughts or information are mixed up and unclear, similar to confused but with an emphasis on disorder.

at sea

Idiomatic expression indicating feeling lost or uncertain, lacking direction or understanding.

discombobulated

A humorous term for being confused or disconcerted.

befuddled

Implies a state of being muddled and confused, often due to alcohol or other influences.

flustered

Suggests a state of agitated confusion, often caused by stress or surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "confused" in a sentence?

You can use "confused" to describe a state of mental uncertainty or lack of understanding. For example, "I was "confused" by the complicated instructions" or "The situation is "confused" and requires clarification".

What can I say instead of "confused"?

You can use alternatives like "perplexed", "bewildered", or "puzzled" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am confuse" instead of "I am confused"?

No, "I am confuse" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I am "confused"", where "confused" is the past participle form of the verb "confuse" used as an adjective.

What's the difference between "confused" and "disoriented"?

"Confused" generally refers to a lack of understanding or mental clarity, while "disoriented" implies a loss of sense of direction, time, or identity. You might be "confused" about a math problem, but "disoriented" after waking up from surgery.