i found it perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I found it perplexing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or difficulty in understanding something. Example: "After reading the report, I found it perplexing how the data was interpreted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 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 find it perplexing that a reformist like Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens would endorse Allan Mansoor (R-Costa Mesa) for Assembly, despite his ineffectual performance in Sacramento and a history of race-baiting by siding with the Minutemen.

Los Angeles Times

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

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 found it perplexing" to express mild confusion or difficulty in understanding something without sounding overly negative or critical. It's a good way to introduce a nuanced critique.

Common error

Avoid using "perplexing" repeatedly in a single piece of formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "confusing", "puzzling", or "baffling" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I found it perplexing" serves as a subjective expression of confusion or difficulty in understanding something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses bewilderment or mild confusion. The examples show its use in diverse contexts, from music reviews to political commentary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I found it perplexing" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing mild confusion or difficulty in understanding, according to Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "confused" or "puzzled" can enhance clarity. The examples from Ludwig highlight its use in diverse scenarios, demonstrating its versatility in expressing subjective bewilderment. Remember to use it to introduce a nuanced critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was puzzled by it

Replaces "perplexing" with "puzzled" to convey a similar sense of mild confusion.

I was confused by it

Substitutes "perplexing" with "confused", indicating a lack of understanding.

I was baffled by it

Employs "baffled" to suggest a higher degree of confusion or being stumped.

I was mystified by it

Uses "mystified" to imply something is inexplicable or enigmatic.

I considered it bewildering

Replaces "found it perplexing" with "considered it bewildering", offering a more formal tone.

I deemed it confusing

Uses "deemed" for a more formal tone and "confusing" to express a lack of clarity.

I struggled to understand it

Shifts the focus to the effort required to comprehend something.

I had difficulty understanding it

Emphasizes the difficulty experienced in understanding.

I couldn't quite grasp it

Indicates an inability to fully comprehend something.

I found it hard to fathom

Substitutes "perplexing" with "hard to fathom", indicating difficulty in understanding something complex.

FAQs

What does "I found it perplexing" mean?

It means that you found something confusing or difficult to understand. It expresses a mild sense of bewilderment.

What can I say instead of "I found it perplexing"?

You can use alternatives like "I was puzzled by it", "I was confused by it", or "I was baffled by it" depending on the context and the degree of confusion you want to convey.

Is "I found it perplexing" formal or informal?

The phrase "I found it perplexing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "I considered it bewildering" for a more elevated tone.

How can I use "I found it perplexing" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a critique or express confusion after encountering something unexpected. For example: "After reading the report, "I found it perplexing" how the data was interpreted."