in a conundrum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a conundrum" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe an issue or situation that is difficult to solve or understand. For example: I am in a conundrum; I want to go to the beach, but I also want to stay home and watch the new movie that just came out.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The police found themselves in a conundrum.

The New York Times

Bey was locked in a conundrum.

The New Yorker

It is a career crisis wrapped in a conundrum.

The New York Times - Sports

"Since democratization, we've been in a conundrum," the official said.

The New York Times

"Many of the companies are in a conundrum.

The New York Times

All of which left me in a conundrum.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

A double duck consommé brings to mind the old clowns-in-a-Volkswagen conundrum: how many canards can one fit in a porcelain bowl?

The New Yorker

Resistance to radiation by some bacteria is discussed in Chapter 14 as a conundrum in evolution.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Young Journeyman Jack found an enigma wrapped in a conundrum-in-a-straitjacket.

Huffington Post

And the longtime downturn in circulation, while a conundrum for the industry, is good news for the environment.

Huffington Post

Home care shows, in microcosm, a conundrum at the heart of the health care debate.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a conundrum" to describe situations where there is no clear or easy solution. It adds a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While "in a conundrum" is a useful phrase, avoid using it too frequently in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "dilemma" or "predicament" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a conundrum" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, adjective, or noun, indicating a state or condition of being puzzled or facing a difficult problem. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a conundrum" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a puzzling or challenging situation. According to Ludwig, its use spans various contexts, notably News & Media, Science, and Academia, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post showcasing its versatility. While highly acceptable, varying your language with synonyms like "in a quandary" or "in a dilemma" can enhance your writing and prevent overuse. Understanding its function and register helps writers use it effectively to convey states of perplexity or difficult decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a quandary

Similar meaning, emphasizes a state of perplexity or doubt.

in a dilemma

Implies a difficult choice between two or more options.

in a predicament

Highlights a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

facing a problem

More general; refers to any difficulty or challenge.

in a difficult situation

A broader expression indicating trouble or adversity.

at an impasse

Focuses on the inability to make progress or reach a resolution.

in a tight spot

Indicates a challenging or awkward circumstance.

in a bind

Suggests being restricted or constrained by circumstances.

between a rock and a hard place

Idiomatic expression for being faced with two equally unpleasant alternatives.

in troubled waters

Implies being in a state of difficulty or turmoil.

FAQs

How can I use "in a conundrum" in a sentence?

You can use "in a conundrum" to describe a situation where someone is facing a difficult problem or dilemma. For example, "The company was "in a conundrum" about how to proceed with the new product launch".

What's the difference between "in a conundrum" and "in a dilemma"?

While both phrases suggest a difficult situation, "in a dilemma" typically implies a choice between two options, whereas "in a conundrum" suggests a more puzzling or confusing problem with no clear solution.

What are some alternatives to saying "in a conundrum"?

You can use alternatives like "in a quandary", "in a predicament", or "facing a problem depending on the context".

Is "in a conundrum" formal or informal language?

"In a conundrum" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, adding a touch of sophistication without being overly stilted. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between "in a conundrum" and simpler alternatives.