in a state of confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a state of confusion" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe confusion that may be caused by a stressful or overwhelming situation. Example: "The students were all in a state of confusion after hearing that the final would be a take-home exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's in a state of confusion".

The New York Times

I keep myself in a state of confusion.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are walking around now in a state of confusion.

The Guardian - Books

The Independence Party is in a state of confusion.

The New York Times

Ferguson flew back in a state of confusion.

The Guardian - Sport

I sort of live in a state of confusion.

The New York Times

Nowadays, I end my bouts of info-surfing in a state of confusion and exhaustion.

The New Yorker

Britain's convoluted negotiations over leaving Europe have left many in a state of confusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Week In Review, Page 8 MAUREEN DOWD California is a state in a state of confusion.

The New York Times

Leaving them to die at home in a state of confusion and malnutrition?

The Guardian - Opinion

"At a time when fashion is in a state of confusion, that image is still modern".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a state of confusion" when you want to emphasize the condition of being bewildered or disoriented due to complexity, surprise, or a sudden change of circumstances. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in a state of confusion" for mild uncertainty. This phrase implies a significant level of disorientation or bewilderment. Use milder terms like "slightly puzzled" or "a bit unsure" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a state of confusion" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by describing the condition or manner in which an action is performed or a situation exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to describe stressful or overwhelming situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a state of confusion" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe conditions of bewilderment and disorientation, found to be grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. It frequently appears in news media, academic writing, and scientific reports, reflecting its broad applicability across different registers. While widely used, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations that truly warrant the description of profound confusion, rather than mild uncertainty. Alternatives such as "perplexed" or "disoriented" may better suit contexts requiring less intense language. Top authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrating its acceptance in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in disarray

Suggests a lack of order or organization; can refer to both physical and mental states.

bewildered

Describes a feeling of being perplexed and confused; it's a single-word adjective.

perplexed

Indicates a state of being puzzled or bewildered; similar to bewildered but can imply deeper thought.

in a muddle

Describes a confused or chaotic state; often used in British English.

disoriented

Suggests a loss of direction or awareness, either physically or mentally.

baffled

Implies being completely puzzled or unable to understand something.

at a loss

Expresses uncertainty about what to do or say; focuses on a lack of direction.

all mixed up

Similar to "mixed up" but emphasizes the degree of confusion or disorganization.

mixed up

Informal way of saying that someone or something is jumbled or disorganized.

foggy-brained

Describes mental confusion or lack of clarity, as if the brain is clouded.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a state of confusion" to describe someone or something experiencing bewilderment or disorientation. For example, "After the accident, he was "in a state of confusion" and couldn't remember what happened."

What are some alternatives to saying "in a state of confusion"?

Alternatives include "bewildered", "perplexed", or "disoriented". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in confusion" or "in a state of confusion"?

"In a state of confusion" is generally preferred when you want to emphasize the extent or intensity of the confusion. "In confusion" can be used, but it is less descriptive. The phrase "in a state of confusion" adds an intensity to the bewilderment.

When is it appropriate to use "in a state of confusion"?

Use "in a state of confusion" when describing a situation or individual experiencing a significant level of disorientation or bewilderment, often due to a sudden or unexpected event. For less severe cases, consider using "slightly puzzled" or "a bit unsure".