i find it perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I find it perplexing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or difficulty in understanding something. Example: "After reviewing the report, I find it perplexing that the data does not align with our previous findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But I feel the same way about The Seldom Seen Kid as I did about its three predecessors, and I find it perplexing that they are seen as purveyors of classy, literate, emotional, grown-up rock while Coldplay are routinely reviled for being pompous, portentous and angstily adolescent, when really, I find it hard to tell them apart.

The Guardian - Music

"I find it perplexing the way the 'moral values' phrase is used," said the Rev. Mark Greiner, the pastor at the Presbyterian church that Ward attends.

The New York Times

So far the government has taken a hard-line stance and I find it perplexing.

BBC

As a physician, technology geek and mother, I find it perplexing that one area of healthcare that has not yet been penetrated by electronic devices is hand hygiene.

Huffington Post

I live in Trentino, and I find it perplexing that some city folk should tell me how to live in my mountains.

Vice

I don't want to sound like I am defending addicts, but I find it perplexing that there is still an arms-length approach from the authorities for helping long-term addicts.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Otherwise, these people may struggle to know the "real you" and find it perplexing that your thoughts and ideas seem to shift for no reason.

WikiHow

The indie kids who had paid a very reasonable £13 entrance fee clearly found it perplexing.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Villacorta's lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, said after the verdict was announced in State Supreme Court in Manhattan that he found it perplexing.

The New York Times

McAndrew, meanwhile, found it perplexing.

Vice

One night we were talking about her work and she said she found it perplexing when her friends said they were worried about her, as though she didn't understand the risks of her profession.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I find it perplexing" when you want to express confusion or difficulty in understanding something in a relatively formal or neutral tone. It's suitable for expressing intellectual confusion rather than emotional distress.

Common error

Avoid using "I find it perplexing" in highly informal settings or when expressing strong emotional reactions. Simpler phrases like "I don't get it" or "I'm really confused" might be more appropriate in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I find it perplexing" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's confusion or inability to understand something. It is commonly used to convey intellectual bewilderment, as Ludwig indicates with its examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I find it perplexing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to articulate confusion or a lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI suggests, its strength lies in its versatility across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and slightly more formal settings. While perfectly acceptable, remember that alternatives like "I'm confused" or "it baffles me" can add nuance or adjust the tone. So, embrace the phrase when you want to express intellectual bewilderment, but also be aware of its slightly more formal nature and choose alternatives where a casual tone is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i am perplexed by this

Changes the structure to a passive voice and emphasizes the state of being perplexed.

i'm puzzled by it

Uses "puzzled" as a synonym for "perplexed", indicating confusion.

i'm confused by it

Replaces "perplexing" with "confused", offering a more direct expression of incomprehension.

it baffles me

Employs a different verb, "baffles", to express the difficulty in understanding.

i can't understand it

Provides a straightforward statement of inability to comprehend.

i don't understand it

Offers a simple and direct expression of lack of understanding.

i'm at a loss to explain it

Indicates an inability to explain something due to confusion.

it's beyond my understanding

Suggests that something is too complex to be understood.

i struggle to comprehend it

Highlights the difficulty in grasping the meaning of something.

it's a mystery to me

Uses metaphorical language to describe the lack of understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I find it perplexing" to sound more casual?

For a more casual tone, you could say "I don't get it", "I'm confused", or "it's beyond me" depending on the context.

What does "I find it perplexing" mean?

It means that you are confused or puzzled by something and find it difficult to understand. It's a relatively formal way of expressing confusion.

Is "I find it perplexing" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "I find it perplexing" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys confusion or difficulty in understanding in a professional and intellectual manner.

Which is a stronger expression, "I find it perplexing" or "I am baffled by it"?

"I am baffled by it" is generally considered a stronger expression than "I find it perplexing". Baffled implies a greater degree of bewilderment and confusion.