create confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

"create confusion" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of making something complex or difficult to understand. For example: The professor's intricate lecture was designed to create confusion among the students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And they create confusion".

The New York Times

They do, however, create confusion.

The Guardian

Such a demand will create confusion".

The New York Times

"Second, he tried to create confusion.

The Guardian

"I think it will create confusion," he said.

The New York Times

He set out to create "confusion" and "tumult".

Independent

Would the new branding create confusion and deter some clients?

The New York Times

The change, he said, could create confusion among some listeners.

The New York Times

And it serves their own purposes to create confusion.

The New York Times - Books

That did create confusion for the police, he said.

The New York Times

This final weekend could create confusion or clarification.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "create confusion" when you want to clearly and directly express that something causes a lack of understanding or makes a situation unclear. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, excessive use of "create confusion" in highly formal or academic writing may sound simplistic. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "engender ambiguity" or "precipitate misunderstanding" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create confusion" functions as a verb phrase where "create" is the verb and "confusion" is the direct object. It describes the action of causing or bringing about a state of confusion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "create confusion" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively communicates the action of causing a lack of understanding or clarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more nuanced alternatives in highly formal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science publications. When writing, be mindful of overusing it in overly formal writing and consider alternatives like "engender ambiguity" or "precipitate misunderstanding" to add sophistication to your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate bewilderment

Replaces "confusion" with "bewilderment", implying a slightly stronger sense of being perplexed and disoriented.

foster misunderstanding

Focuses on the development of incorrect understanding rather than general confusion.

induce chaos

Shifts the focus to the disordered state resulting from the confusion.

provoke ambiguity

Highlights the lack of clarity and precision as the cause of confusion.

lead to uncertainty

Emphasizes the resultant state of doubt and lack of sureness.

stir up perplexity

Uses more evocative language to describe the creation of a puzzled state.

spawn disarray

Similar to "induce chaos" but with a slightly more formal tone.

precipitate muddle

Implies a sudden and perhaps unwanted descent into a state of confusion.

engender opacity

Focuses on making something unclear or difficult to understand.

prompt disorientation

Highlights the loss of bearings, both literally and figuratively.

FAQs

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

You can use "create confusion" to describe actions or situations that lead to misunderstanding or lack of clarity. For example, "The new policy may "create confusion" among employees".

What are some alternatives to "create confusion"?

Alternatives include "cause uncertainty", "generate bewilderment", or "foster misunderstanding" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "cause confusion" or "create confusion"?

Both "cause confusion" and "create confusion" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on personal preference, although "create confusion" might suggest a more deliberate or active process.

What's the difference between "create confusion" and "add confusion"?

"Create confusion" implies initiating a state of confusion, while "add confusion" suggests intensifying or increasing existing confusion. The former starts it, the latter builds upon it.