expressed confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed confusion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone has communicated their lack of understanding or clarity about something. Example: "During the meeting, she expressed confusion about the new policy changes and asked for further clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although we did not ask if women felt confused, six spontaneously expressed confusion or uncertainty such as "I am confused" "I don't know what to do".

BMC Family Practice

Russian government ministers have also expressed confusion.

The Guardian

Several of Mr. Lutnick's critics have expressed confusion and concern about how bonuses will be distributed.

The New York Times

Similarly, other recipients across the globe expressed confusion and even offense that they had been targeted as a potential donor.

The Guardian

But while some fans said it was "the best episode ever", others expressed confusion over the plot.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But gatekeepers for more than one of these people expressed confusion as to why Matthews would refer me to them.

The New York Times

One illegal immigrant I spoke with on the phone (she was scared to meet in person) expressed confusion and panic.

The Economist

Scope, among other groups, has expressed confusion that the government is "able to predict exactly how many disabled people will receive support before they have even been tested".

The Guardian

Vulnerable groups of people in South Morwell were advised to temporarily relocate due to the danger of PM2.5 particle, but many residents expressed confusion about the dangers.

The Guardian

Even Hajira, a 39-year-old widowed mother of four, expressed confusion: if she did not vote, would her registration card still be valid?

The New York Times

When I spoke with Marja Mills by telephone, she expressed confusion over those statements attributed to Harper Lee in both 2011 and 2014.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "expressed confusion", ensure the context clearly indicates what the source of the confusion is. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone "expressed confusion" without specifying the subject or reason for their confusion. Provide enough detail to make the statement meaningful and informative. Example: Instead of "He expressed confusion", write "He expressed confusion about the new tax regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed confusion" functions as a descriptive term, indicating that someone has communicated their lack of understanding or clarity. Ludwig provides numerous examples where individuals or groups expressed confusion about various topics, ranging from political decisions to scientific concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressed confusion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the act of communicating a lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides ample examples across diverse fields. While versatile, it is important to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "demonstrated confusion" or "voiced uncertainty" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. The phrase is commonly found in news, science, and wiki sources, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrated confusion

Indicates a visual or behavioral manifestation of confusion rather than a verbal expression.

expressed perplexity

Uses a more formal and nuanced term for confusion, suggesting deeper bewilderment.

professed confusion

Suggests a more formal and deliberate declaration of confusion.

expressed uncertainty

Highlights the lack of sureness or confidence as the primary feeling, rather than just confusion.

articulated confusion

Emphasizes the clarity and detail in the way the confusion was communicated.

voiced bewilderment

Replaces "confusion" with "bewilderment", a stronger term suggesting greater disorientation.

registered confusion

Implies a more passive or subtle indication of confusion.

conveyed confusion

Focuses on the act of transmitting the feeling of confusion to someone else.

showed their confusion

Highlights the visual aspect of displaying confusion.

revealed their confusion

Suggests the confusion was previously hidden or not obvious.

FAQs

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

You can use "expressed confusion" to describe someone communicating their lack of understanding or clarity about something. For example: "The students "expressed confusion" regarding the complex equation presented by the teacher".

What are some alternatives to "expressed confusion"?

Some alternatives include "demonstrated confusion", "expressed perplexity", or "voiced uncertainty", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "expressed confusion" or "showed confusion"?

Both phrases are correct, but "expressed confusion" implies a verbal or explicit communication of confusion, while "showed confusion" suggests a more visual or behavioral manifestation. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "expressed confusion" and "felt confused"?

"Expressed confusion" indicates that the person communicated their confusion to someone else. "Felt confused" simply means the person experienced confusion internally, without necessarily communicating it.