flicker of confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of confusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief moment of uncertainty or lack of understanding in someone's expression or reaction. Example: "As she listened to the complex explanation, a flicker of confusion crossed her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A flicker of confusion crossed his face when no one else in the Commons responded to his top banter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a key moment when he actually sees her only moderately scarred face; flickers of confusion, disappointment and relief play gently on Eastwood's normally rigid features.

The Guardian - Film

Just a flicker of disappointment – or confusion – creased his face as he strolled down to collect his ceremonial scroll.

The Guardian - Film

As his back hits the mat, the thing I'm most aware of -- besides the ache in my elbow -- is the baffled look of confusion on Maldanado's pie as his eyes flicker dim like a bad neon bar sign, and I drag my battered carcass out of the ring, another fight wiser.

Huffington Post

And then one of confusion.

The New York Times

The whole ball of confusion.

The New York Times - Sports

Female sexuality remains a source of confusion.

The New York Times

One cost of confusion is unexpected intimacy.

The New York Times

There was a lot of confusion".

The New York Times

But there's a lot of confusion.

The New York Times

And lots of confusion.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flicker of confusion" to describe a fleeting expression or reaction, rather than a prolonged state. It's ideal for capturing a subtle shift in someone's demeanor.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of confusion" to describe someone who is generally confused or disoriented. This phrase indicates a brief, passing moment of uncertainty, not a sustained condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of confusion" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a brief, subtle manifestation of uncertainty or lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flicker of confusion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a brief moment of uncertainty or lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as other contexts such as Wiki and Science. While semantically similar phrases like "moment of bewilderment" or "hint of perplexity" exist, "flicker of confusion" is especially effective for capturing fleeting expressions. To ensure accurate usage, remember that this phrase is most appropriate for describing short-lived instances of uncertainty rather than prolonged states of confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment of bewilderment

Emphasizes a temporary state of being perplexed or disoriented.

hint of perplexity

Highlights a subtle indication of being puzzled or confused.

trace of bafflement

Focuses on a slight sign of being unable to understand something.

glimmer of incomprehension

Stresses a faint manifestation of not grasping the meaning.

fleeting uncertainty

Indicates a brief and transient state of doubt or lack of clarity.

brief disorientation

Highlights a short period of being lost or disoriented mentally.

passing bewilderment

Emphasizes the temporary nature of being perplexed.

fleeting puzzlement

Focuses on a brief and transient state of being puzzled.

transient obscurity

Highlights a temporary lack of clarity or understanding.

quick lapse in understanding

Emphasizes a brief interruption or failure to comprehend.

FAQs

How can I use "flicker of confusion" in a sentence?

You can use "flicker of confusion" to describe a brief moment of uncertainty or lack of understanding in someone's expression. For example, "A "flicker of confusion" crossed his face when no one else in the Commons responded to his top banter."

What can I say instead of "flicker of confusion"?

You can use alternatives like "moment of bewilderment", "hint of perplexity", or "trace of bafflement" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "flicker of confusion" in formal writing?

Yes, "flicker of confusion" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing nuanced reactions or subtle shifts in expression. It is commonly found in news articles and literary works.

What's the difference between "flicker of confusion" and "state of confusion"?

"Flicker of confusion" describes a momentary and transient expression of uncertainty, while "state of confusion" refers to a prolonged or ongoing condition of being bewildered or disoriented.