confusion about

USAGE SUMMARY

'confusion about' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a feeling of not understanding or having difficulty in comprehending something. For example: "There was some confusion about the instructions, so we decided to ask for clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some confusion about risk is understandable.

The Economist

There was confusion about what really happened.

The New York Times - Sports

There's some confusion about mild cognitive impairment.

The New York Times

There is some confusion about his age.

The New York Times - Arts

Nan's confusion about their motives panics him.

The New York Times - Books

So much cosmic confusion about communication!

The New York Times

But there was no confusion about it.

The New Yorker

There is absolutely no confusion about that.

The New York Times

But there was some confusion about the details.

The New York Times

The mixed reports added to investors' confusion about the economy.

The New York Times

There is also confusion about what it's for.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "confusion about", clearly identify the source or topic of the confusion to provide context and improve clarity for your reader. For example, specify "confusion about the new policy" rather than just "confusion".

Common error

Avoid using "confusion about" in overly broad or vague contexts without specifying what the confusion pertains to. This can leave the reader unsure of the subject matter and weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confusion about" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject of the confusion. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across varied contexts, confirming its role in specifying the focus of uncertainty or lack of understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confusion about" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a lack of understanding or clarity regarding a particular subject. According to Ludwig, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. The phrase's frequency across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the topic of "confusion" to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Related phrases such as "uncertainty about" or "ambiguity about" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertainty about

Replaces "confusion" with "uncertainty", highlighting a lack of sureness or definiteness regarding something.

misunderstanding about

Emphasizes the incorrect interpretation of something as the source of the "confusion".

ambiguity about

Substitutes "confusion" with "ambiguity", focusing on the presence of multiple possible interpretations rather than a lack of understanding.

perplexity about

Replaces "confusion" with a more formal term suggesting bewilderment or being puzzled.

chaos about

Replaces "confusion" with a stronger term suggesting complete disorder, implying a more significant lack of understanding.

disarray about

Highlights the state of disorder or lack of organization that leads to "confusion".

muddle about

Suggests a state of being mixed up or disorganized regarding something.

disruption about

Indicates an interruption or disturbance that causes the "confusion".

equivocation about

Implies a deliberate use of vague language to avoid commitment or clarity, leading to "confusion".

concern about

Shifts the focus to worry or anxiety regarding something, which may stem from a lack of clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "confusion about" in a sentence?

You can use "confusion about" to describe a lack of understanding or clarity regarding a particular topic. For example, "There is some "confusion about" the new regulations."

What phrases are similar to "confusion about"?

Similar phrases include "uncertainty about", "ambiguity about", or "misunderstanding about", which all convey a similar sense of a lack of clarity or understanding.

Is it correct to say "confusion on" instead of "confusion about"?

While "confusion on" might be used in some contexts, ""confusion about"" is generally preferred and more widely accepted in standard English.

What's the difference between "confusion about" and "concern about"?

"Confusion about" refers to a lack of understanding, while "concern about" expresses worry or anxiety. They are not interchangeable, as one focuses on understanding and the other on emotional response.