confusing instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confusing instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific situation or example that is difficult to understand or interpret. Example: "The confusing instance during the meeting left many team members unsure about the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a confusing instance of legal doublespeak, the Crown's prosecutors are arguing that Omar has not really been sentenced to eight years, but rather to five eight-year sentences served at the same time.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is unfortunate that the terminology in the literature is confusing, for instance, the definitions of anonymity and coding leave room for misunderstanding [ 13].

BMC Medical Ethics

It is easily confused, for instance, by viewing artificial light in the evening, he says, when the internal clock expects darkness.

The New York Times

In addition, in order not to confuse, for instance, inverse agonism with antagonism, the cotreatment sample genes were filtered out if they behaved in the opposite fashion in the presence of E2.

Plosone

For instance, confusing new and old telephone numbers, or having a fuzzier memory of Ocean's Eleven as a result of watching the two sequels.

The Guardian

And he is confused by instances of American spectacle: "In my mind the Fourth of July was a celebration that celebrated fireworks".

The New Yorker

She, however, criticizes the labeling as too complex in places, the type too small as well as confusing in some instances.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

One instance of confusing radon signals occurred in 1979.

The New York Times - Science

In recent weeks Kristol has drawn the ire of liberal Twitter for his conservative views, with users immediately calling him every nasty name in the book, and, in some instances, purposely confusing him with the actor Billy Crystal.

Huffington Post

Despite ubiquitous use of the term by both lay people and professionals, there is still a lack of clarity about its meaning, and social support is easily confused with, for instance, caring [ 17].

BMC Nursing

Pricing, for instance, can be confusing.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confusing instance" to specifically denote a single occurrence or example that leads to confusion or misunderstanding. Ensure the context clearly explains why the instance is confusing to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "confusing instance" as a generic term for any type of confusion. This phrase is best suited for referring to a particular example or situation, rather than general states of confusion. For general cases use "confusion" or "state of uncertainty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confusing instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific situation or example that is difficult to understand. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confusing instance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a particular situation or example that is difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency is rare, and it is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly explains why the instance is confusing to your audience, and avoid overusing it in general contexts. Alternatives include "perplexing situation", "unclear case", and "ambiguous example".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perplexing situation

Focuses on the puzzling nature of the situation.

unclear case

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the situation.

ambiguous example

Highlights the multiple possible interpretations.

bewildering occurrence

Focuses on the feeling of confusion the event causes.

enigmatic event

Stresses the mysterious and difficult-to-understand nature.

complex scenario

Emphasizes the complicated and intricate nature of the situation.

incomprehensible situation

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the whole situation.

obscure incident

Focuses on the hidden or vague aspects of the event.

murky circumstance

Emphasizes the lack of transparency and clarity.

puzzling state of affairs

Highlights a situation that is difficult to make sense of.

FAQs

How can I use "confusing instance" in a sentence?

You can use "confusing instance" to refer to a specific event or situation that causes confusion. For example, "The confusing instance during the meeting left many team members unsure about the project's direction."

What can I say instead of "confusing instance"?

You can use alternatives like "perplexing situation", "unclear case", or "ambiguous example", depending on the context.

Is "confusing instance" formal or informal?

"Confusing instance" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's most appropriate when discussing specific examples that are difficult to understand.

What's the difference between "confusing instance" and "confusing situation"?

A "confusing instance" typically refers to a specific occurrence or example, while a "confusing situation" refers to a broader, more general state of affairs. The former is more targeted, while the latter is more encompassing.