even more perplexed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even more perplexed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a heightened state of confusion or bewilderment in comparison to a previous state. Example: "After hearing the explanation, I was even more perplexed about the situation than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This left her feeling even more perplexed.

The New Yorker

They are even more perplexed when they learn of South Korea's economic achievements.

The Guardian

SK Telecom defended the purchase using a rationale that left some corporate critics even more perplexed.

The New York Times

I suppose I'd be even more perplexed if the Lonely Planet had plumped for somewhere down south.

The Guardian - Travel

After saying several times in a strong Latino accent, "I don't understand," the counterman looked even more perplexed.

The New York Times

His parents, he added, were not enthusiastic about the idea and were even more perplexed when he announced, at 19, that he would study Ukrainian folk dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The bill will leave the majority of voters confused, perplexed, and even more uneasy about what Obama is really up to, and his seeming inability to be the tough, decisive leader that millions took a chance on and backed.

Huffington Post

cried Alice, looking more perplexed than ever.

The Guardian

Instead, there was no resolution, and everyone connected to the team grew more perplexed.

The New York Times - Sports

But the questions surrounding the organization have left local residents more perplexed.

The New York Times

But the man's roommates in a small-town boarding house in Harrison, Tex., are more perplexed than alarmed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "even more perplexed", ensure the context establishes a previous state of perplexity for the comparison to be meaningful. For example: "He was confused by the instructions, but after the demonstration, he was "even more perplexed".

Common error

Avoid using "even more perplexed" when there's no prior reference point for perplexity. Starting with "even more" implies a comparison, so make sure the initial state of confusion is clear. For example, instead of saying "He walked in and was even more perplexed", clarify what caused the initial perplexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even more perplexed" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "perplexed." It indicates a heightened state of confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even more perplexed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a heightened state of confusion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for written English, especially in contexts where there's a clear point of comparison for the increased perplexity. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral tone. When employing this phrase, ensure the context provides an initial state of confusion to make the comparison meaningful, and consider synonyms like "even more confused" or "even more baffled" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more confused

Offers a direct synonym ("confused") while retaining the core meaning.

even more bewildered

Uses a different term ("bewildered") for expressing being perplexed.

even more baffled

Uses a different term ("baffled") for expressing being perplexed.

even more puzzled

Uses a different term ("puzzled") for expressing being perplexed.

even more mystified

Uses a different term ("mystified") for expressing being perplexed.

markedly more confused

Highlights a noticeable increase in confusion.

significantly more puzzled

Indicates a substantial level of puzzlement.

noticeably more mystified

Indicates an easily observed increase in being mystified.

considerably more baffled

Emphasizes a greater degree of bafflement.

decidedly more bewildered

Suggests a clear and definite state of bewilderment.

FAQs

How can I use "even more perplexed" in a sentence?

Use "even more perplexed" to indicate an increase in confusion compared to a previous state. For example: "She didn't understand the instructions at first, and after the explanation, she was "even more perplexed"".

What's a synonym for "even more perplexed"?

Alternatives include "even more confused", "even more baffled", or "even more bewildered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "even more perplex"?

No, "even more perplex" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "even more perplexed", where "perplexed" is an adjective describing a state of confusion.

What's the difference between "perplexed" and "even more perplexed"?

"Perplexed" describes a state of confusion, while "even more perplexed" indicates a greater degree of confusion compared to a previous state or situation. It shows a heightened level of bewilderment.