confusing wording

USAGE SUMMARY

"confusing wording" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to language that is unclear or difficult to understand. For example, "The article contained several passages of confusing wording that made it hard to follow the author's arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Tech

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In addition, you learn a lot about button placement, confusing wording and weird user flows that made a lot of sense to your team but no sense to someone who's never seen the app before.

TechCrunch

However, reports found that promotional web pages for the Microsoft Surface tablet had contained confusing wording alluding to the compatibility differences, and that Microsoft Store representatives were providing inconsistent and sometimes incorrect information about Windows RT.

Wikipedia

First, we revised answer choices to represent true misconceptions rather than confusing wording.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Interviews were conducted by two graduate student research collaborators using an interview protocol that included asking student interviewees to identify unknown terminology and confusing wording in each question, as well as think-alouds in which students were asked to give their reasoning for answering questions.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Problems became evident as soon as the application was released in August, including some confusing wording that was later changed.

The New York Times

A concern was the confusing wording of some of the draft items.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Cutesy or confusing words bring nothing but trouble.

Forbes

"Now, all of us are C.E.O.'s, so we've learned not to confuse words with results.

The New York Times

But, in truth, isn't that exactly what happens at times of unconscionable, stupid loss: we react with confused hearts and confused words?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sometimes, she stuck her pink face inside the door of my classroom and watched my lesson for a few minutes, making me sweat, sputter, confuse words, and drop my chalk on the floor.

The New Yorker

She also chronically confuses words, repeatedly saying "porpoises," for instance, when she means "patient," and she frequently can't remember which porpoise she's talking to, in an oops-wrong-file way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting instructions or guidelines, have someone unfamiliar with the topic review your work to identify potential "confusing wording".

Common error

Don't assume that wording which makes sense to you will be clear to everyone. Always consider your audience and their level of familiarity with the subject matter to avoid "confusing wording".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confusing wording" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'confusing' modifies 'wording'. It describes the quality of the wording itself. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confusing wording" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase referring to language that lacks clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and our analysis reveals it's most frequently encountered in News & Media, Scientific, and Wiki contexts. To enhance your writing, remember to consider your audience and context. Avoid the trap of assuming everyone understands your perspective. For alternatives, consider "unclear phrasing" or "ambiguous language". By avoiding jargon and getting a second opinion, you can ensure your writing is easy to understand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear phrasing

Focuses on the lack of clarity in how something is expressed.

ambiguous language

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations.

vague terminology

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the words used.

misleading language

Indicates that the wording is likely to cause misunderstanding.

opaque expression

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the meaning.

complex language

Emphasizes the intricate and potentially difficult nature of the words.

convoluted syntax

Focuses on the complicated sentence structure.

murky prose

Suggests that the writing is unclear and difficult to follow.

imprecise diction

Highlights the lack of careful word choice.

faulty articulation

Emphasizes problems in expressing ideas effectively

FAQs

How can I avoid "confusing wording" in my writing?

To avoid "confusing wording", use clear and concise language, define technical terms, and have someone else review your writing for clarity.

What are some alternatives to "confusing wording"?

You can use alternatives such as "unclear phrasing", "ambiguous language", or "vague terminology" depending on the specific issue you are addressing.

Why is it important to avoid "confusing wording"?

Avoiding "confusing wording" ensures that your message is easily understood by your audience, preventing misinterpretations and improving communication effectiveness.

What is the difference between "confusing wording" and "misleading language"?

"Confusing wording" is simply difficult to understand, while "misleading language" is intentionally designed to deceive or create a false impression.