demonstrates confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demonstrates confusion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or behavior that indicates a lack of understanding or clarity. Example: "Her response to the question demonstrates confusion about the topic we were discussing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The committee also demonstrates confusion in describing personal budgets as something "more akin to social security than social care" and assuming that the allocation of a budget "creates a scenario in which people's needs could be assessed less personally".

The Guardian

The third theme demonstrates confusion by the young people between physical disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health problems (38 items).

BMC Health Services Research

This demonstrates confusion in relation to both consent and assent: if both consent and assent are required, then consent is not consent (as it is generally taken to be the authority to proceed with a course of action).

Archives of Disease in Childhood

If you or someone you know demonstrates confusion, disorientation, or other signs of severe dehydration, you should seek emergency medical care from a hospital or clinic.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Trump has demonstrated confusion over time about the details of immigration policy, including during a televised meeting in the Cabinet Room this month with lawmakers of both parties.

The New York Times

James R. McDonald, who follows the companies for First Analysis in Chicago, said, "The market is saying this is not a good deal for anybody". The share selloff in both companies may just demonstrate confusion about the complex deal, he said.

The New York Times

Some students demonstrated confusion with respect to the composite function and other trigonometric functions.

International Journal of STEM Education

After only a few seconds, students then demonstrated confusion and a few students in each class began exploring the possibility of a 'no' answer.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Many also demonstrated confusion with certain research methodologies.

BMC Medical Ethics

Of both practical and theoretical importance, women in all groups demonstrated confusion about condom use and protection from HPV.

British Journal of Cancer

Since then, several reports have demonstrated confusion regarding infant feeding counselling among health workers in areas with a heavy burden of HIV [ 14, 15].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "demonstrates confusion", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is causing the confusion. Be specific about the source or reason for the lack of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "demonstrates confusion" without specifying the subject or area where the confusion is evident. Without a clear reference, the statement lacks impact and can be misinterpreted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demonstrates confusion" functions as a verb phrase where "demonstrates" acts as a transitive verb, taking "confusion" as its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and can be used to describe a situation or behavior that suggests a lack of understanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demonstrates confusion" is a grammatically correct way to describe the exhibition of uncertainty or lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, primarily appearing in scientific, news, and general contexts. While "demonstrates confusion" itself is of neutral register, related phrases such as "exhibits bewilderment" or "reveals misunderstanding" could be used to fine-tune tone and formality. When writing, specify what is causing the confusion to avoid ambiguity. By following these tips, you can use the phrase effectively to convey a clear understanding of a subject's state of confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibits bewilderment

Replaces "confusion" with "bewilderment", implying a higher degree of perplexity.

reveals misunderstanding

Focuses on the incorrect understanding as the core issue.

indicates lack of clarity

Emphasizes the absence of clear understanding.

betrays incomprehension

Suggests a failure to grasp the situation.

manifests uncertainty

Highlights the wavering and doubtful nature of understanding.

displays vagueness

Focuses on the lack of precision or detail in understanding.

projects ambiguity

Implies that the confusion is perceivable from the outside.

signals disorientation

Suggests a loss of bearings, either mental or physical.

conveys perplexity

Highlights the state of being puzzled or bewildered.

intimates lack of comprehension

Subtly suggests a failure to fully understand.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "demonstrates confusion" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "exhibits a lack of clarity", "reveals a misunderstanding", or "manifests incomprehension". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "demonstrates confusion" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "demonstrates confusion" is suitable for academic writing when describing a subject's lack of understanding or clarity on a particular topic. Ensure the context provides clear evidence of the confusion being demonstrated.

What's the difference between "demonstrates confusion" and "indicates confusion"?

"Demonstrates confusion" implies that the confusion is clearly evident and observable through actions or statements. "Indicates confusion", on the other hand, suggests that the confusion is hinted at but not necessarily explicitly shown.

When is it better to use "shows confusion" instead of "demonstrates confusion"?

Use "shows confusion" in more informal contexts where a simpler vocabulary is preferred. "Demonstrates confusion" is more appropriate for formal or academic writing where a more precise and sophisticated tone is desired.