in bewilderment

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'in bewilderment' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a state of confusion or perplexity. For example: She looked around the room in bewilderment when she realized that everyone else had left.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I stared in bewilderment.

The Guardian - Books

"People just standing around in bewilderment really".

The Guardian - Travel

Inside, he looked around in bewilderment.

The New Yorker

Dumbfounded observer — me — stares in bewilderment.

The New York Times

The junior switchmen lived in bewilderment.

The New Yorker

I looked around in bewilderment.

The Guardian

"Huh?" he replied, in bewilderment.

The Guardian - Tech

I was looking at her in bewilderment.

The New Yorker

Honestly, foreigners [shakes head in bewilderment].

The Guardian

The patrons eye one another in bewilderment.

The Guardian

Leicester were shaking their heads in bewilderment.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in bewilderment" to vividly describe a character's reaction to unexpected or confusing events. It adds a layer of emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in bewilderment" for mild confusion. The phrase conveys a strong sense of perplexity, so reserve it for situations where the character is genuinely bewildered, not just mildly puzzled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in bewilderment" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It adds detail by indicating that the action or state is characterized by a sense of confusion and perplexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in bewilderment" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase widely used to depict a state of confusion and perplexity, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage is very common, particularly in the realm of News & Media, although it also appears in Academia and Science. While generally neutral, leaning toward formal, it serves to enrich narratives by conveying characters' internal reactions to surprising or puzzling situations. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the confusion you wish to portray, reserving it for instances of genuine perplexity. Keep in mind it´s related to alternatives such as "in confusion", "in perplexity", or "in a daze" to choose the nuance more fitting to the context. This analysis should aid writers in effectively incorporating "in bewilderment" into their work for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in confusion

Directly replaces 'bewilderment' with a more common synonym, focusing on the lack of clarity.

in perplexity

Substitutes 'bewilderment' with a more formal and nuanced term suggesting deep confusion.

in a daze

Implies a state of being stunned or disoriented, overlapping with the feeling of bewilderment.

in a state of bafflement

Replaces the single word with a longer phrase, emphasizing the feeling of being puzzled.

with wide-eyed surprise

Focuses on the visual expression of surprise mixed with confusion.

utterly baffled

Highlights the complete lack of understanding, similar to intense bewilderment.

taken aback

Suggests a sudden surprise or shock that leads to confusion.

at a loss

Expresses being unsure of what to do or think, indicating a state of confusion.

not knowing what to think

Explains the internal state of being bewildered, focusing on indecision.

incredulously

Implies disbelief mixed with confusion, often used when something seems impossible.

FAQs

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

You can use "in bewilderment" to describe someone's reaction to a confusing or surprising situation. For example, "She stared at the scene "in bewilderment", unable to understand what had happened."

What are some alternatives to "in bewilderment"?

Some alternatives to "in bewilderment" include "in confusion", "in perplexity", or "in a daze". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "with bewilderment" instead of "in bewilderment"?

While "with bewilderment" might be understandable, "in bewilderment" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing. "In bewilderment" is typically preferred for describing a state or condition.

What's the difference between "bewilderment" and "confusion"?

"Confusion" generally refers to a state of being unclear or uncertain. "Bewilderment", on the other hand, suggests a deeper level of perplexity, often involving surprise or astonishment. So, someone "in bewilderment" is not just confused; they're also likely puzzled and perhaps even slightly shocked.