equally perplexed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equally perplexed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more people share the same level of confusion or bewilderment about something. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, both Sarah and Tom were equally perplexed about what to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Are we all equally perplexed about destroying the livelihoods of its inhabitants?

The Guardian

Singer is equally perplexed about contradictory indications on whether global inequality is on the rise.

The New York Times - Books

But right and left alike are equally perplexed and his party did not warm to the notion at the conference this week.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But at the same time, in the less showy role, Mr. Williams can match her subtlety as the equally perplexed but less affected husband whose fears for his wife's health are expressed with such delicate restraint".

The New York Times - Arts

Sunsets@Noon, the vaporwave mall that had people equally perplexed ("Vaporwave mall?") and excited ("Vaporwave mall!"), felt like a daydream.

Vice

(Industry conferences are unique ecosystems aren't they? I remember walking by another industry conference that was a gathering of some arm of IT. I peered in at the gathering and observed them but comprehended little. They were speaking a foreign industry language, even their dress was of their industry. I'm sure they viewed our design conference with equally perplexed eyes).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

One year and three weeks later, there's J.Law, equally as perplexed as to why she's been awakened.

Los Angeles Times

Other Americans, it seemed, were as perplexed as me.

The New York Times

The agency was as perplexed as anybody by Mr. Oswald.

The New York Times

Others were just as perplexed as we were.

Forbes

Were you just as perplexed?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equally perplexed" to precisely convey that multiple subjects share the same level of bewilderment, avoiding ambiguity in complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "equally perplexed" when describing an individual's confusion, as it implies a shared bewilderment. Instead, use "perplexed" or "confused" to describe individual states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equally perplexed" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of shared bewilderment or confusion. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equally perplexed" is a grammatically correct and usable adjectival phrase that describes a state of shared bewilderment or confusion. According to Ludwig AI, it conveys that multiple parties are experiencing the same level of puzzlement. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it can be applicable across various registers, maintaining a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a shared sense of confusion and consider alternatives like "similarly baffled" or "just as confused" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similarly baffled

Focuses on the state of being confused, with a slightly stronger emphasis than "equally perplexed".

just as confused

Highlights the equivalence in confusion, but is more straightforward and less formal.

as bewildered

Emphasizes the feeling of being confused and disoriented, rather than just intellectually puzzled.

in equal confusion

Focuses on the state of confusion being equal, less on the emotion.

sharing the same bewilderment

Highlights the shared nature of the confusion, more descriptive.

experiencing similar confusion

More descriptive and less direct than "equally perplexed".

uniformly puzzled

Implies a more widespread and consistent state of puzzlement.

mutually mystified

Suggests a sense of mystery and intrigue in addition to confusion.

collectively stumped

More informal and suggests a problem that is difficult to solve.

all at sea

An idiomatic expression meaning completely lost and confused, differing in register from "equally perplexed".

FAQs

How to use "equally perplexed" in a sentence?

The phrase "equally perplexed" is used to describe a situation where two or more people share the same level of confusion or bewilderment about something. For example: "After hearing the unexpected news, both Sarah and Tom were "equally perplexed" about what to do next."

What can I say instead of "equally perplexed"?

You can use alternatives like "similarly baffled", "just as confused", or "as bewildered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "equally perplexed" or "equally confuse"?

"Equally perplexed" is correct. "Perplexed" is the past participle of the verb "perplex" and functions as an adjective in this phrase. "Confuse" is a verb and does not fit grammatically in this context.

What's the difference between "equally perplexed" and "slightly perplexed"?

"Equally perplexed" indicates the same level of confusion among multiple parties, while "slightly perplexed" suggests a mild degree of confusion in a single individual or group.