great confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great confusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a significant lack of clarity or understanding. Example: "After the announcement, there was great confusion among the employees about the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Great confusion on the day.

The Guardian - Sport

Others see great confusion and ambiguity.

The Guardian

Thus, in 307 308 there was great confusion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It is a mishmash and a great confusion.

The New York Times

"Then shall the realm of Albion come to great confusion".

The Guardian

Amid great confusion, the planning mechanism was overhauled, and gradually a "command economy" was established.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As meticulous as Professor Bennett's work was, it once engendered great confusion.

The New York Times - Science

This development caused great confusion among traditional publishers, who, as a result, saw mixed sales figures and uneven profits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was at the time – as after, as now, as forever – great confusion over who ordered the charge and how.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was Pau Amma, the Crab, who is now causing great confusion and consternation by stirring up the sea.

The Guardian - Books

But through the centuries it has caused great confusion between loyalty to the state and loyalty to Christ, between patriotism and being a Christian.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events with multiple contributing factors, use "great confusion" to highlight the lack of clear understanding among participants or observers.

Common error

Avoid using "great confusion" for minor misunderstandings. Reserve it for scenarios where the lack of clarity has significant consequences or involves a large number of people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great confusion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of significant lack of clarity or understanding. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from historical events to contemporary issues, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great confusion" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a state of significant lack of clarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news, encyclopedias and scientific writing to depict situations of uncertainty, disorder, or misunderstanding. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios where the lack of clarity has substantial implications, and you can consider alternatives like "significant bewilderment" or "major uncertainty" to add nuance. Remember not to overuse it for simple misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant bewilderment

Emphasizes the feeling of being perplexed or puzzled to a large extent.

major uncertainty

Highlights the lack of sureness or confidence about something.

considerable disarray

Focuses on the state of disorder and lack of organization.

profound misunderstanding

Stresses a deep lack of correct understanding.

widespread chaos

Indicates a state of complete disorder and confusion affecting many people.

utter perplexity

Suggests a state of being completely baffled or puzzled.

deep ambiguity

Emphasizes the quality of being open to more than one interpretation.

intense disorientation

Highlights the feeling of being lost and not knowing where you are or what to do.

acute bafflement

Indicates a sharp sense of being bewildered or confused.

general muddle

Suggests a confused and disordered state of affairs.

FAQs

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

You can use "great confusion" to describe situations where there is a significant lack of understanding or clarity, such as "There was "great confusion" after the new policy was announced".

What can I say instead of "great confusion"?

Alternatives include "significant bewilderment", "major uncertainty", or "considerable disarray", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a great confusion" or "great confusion"?

"Great confusion" is generally used as a non-count noun, so it is more common and grammatically sound to omit the article "a". Using "a great confusion" is less frequent.

What's the difference between "great confusion" and "slight confusion"?

"Great confusion" indicates a significant lack of understanding or clarity, while "slight confusion" suggests a minor or easily resolved misunderstanding. The choice depends on the degree of uncertainty or disorder you want to emphasize.