in utter confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in utter confusion' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a state in which one is very disoriented and uncertain. For example, "The crowd was left in utter confusion after the announcement".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"But they are doing all of this in utter confusion.

The Washington Post

The ill-planned insurrection ended in utter confusion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

British policy in the Middle East was in utter confusion.

The Guardian

Employees are left in utter confusion, which can prevent the company from fully implementing the intended change.

Harvard Business Review

I once stood for a quarter of an hour on the Ponte Palatino bridge, watching in utter confusion as a small duck swam against the rushing tide.

Cornell University

Not long ago, a film crew captured him removing money from his pocket and staring at the bill in utter confusion.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The pity of it was that the subtlety of the clothes was lost in the way that the brand chooses to show, in an utter confusion of static models among some weedy ferns and paparazzi chasing Sarah Jessica Parker, who is associated with the Halston Heritage line.

The New York Times

A government in utter disarray.

The Washington Post

England are in utter disarray.

The Guardian - Sport

The baffling position of Communism in America approached utter confusion on Election Day.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, November 19 , 1949P. 25 The baffling position of Communism in America approached utter confusion on Election Day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "in utter confusion" with active verbs to describe the actions of individuals or groups experiencing disorientation. For example, "They ran in utter confusion."

Common error

Avoid using "in utter confusion" to describe mild uncertainty. "Utter" implies a complete and total lack of understanding, so reserve this phrase for situations of extreme disorientation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in utter confusion" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to describe the state or manner in which an action is performed or a situation exists. Ludwig examples show it describes a state of disorientation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in utter confusion" is a prepositional phrase used to depict a state of complete bewilderment or disorientation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for describing intense situations where understanding is entirely lacking. While not extremely common, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media sources and academia. When using "in utter confusion", ensure that the described scenario genuinely reflects a high degree of bewilderment, rather than mild uncertainty. Alternatives like "in complete bewilderment" or "in total disarray" can offer similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in utter bewilderment

Similar to the original phrase but replaces "confusion" with the more intense "bewilderment".

in complete bewilderment

Replaces "confusion" with "bewilderment", emphasizing a state of being perplexed and puzzled.

in a state of perplexity

Rephrases the original to focus on the feeling of being deeply puzzled or bewildered.

in sheer perplexity

Substitutes "utter" with "sheer" and "confusion" with "perplexity" for a slightly more formal tone.

in total disarray

Substitutes "confusion" with "disarray", highlighting a state of disorder and lack of organization.

completely baffled

Changes the structure to an adjective describing a state of being utterly confused.

totally bewildered

Similar to 'completely baffled' but employs a different adjective, "bewildered", to express confusion.

in absolute chaos

Replaces "confusion" with "chaos", emphasizing a state of complete disorder and turmoil.

in a fog of uncertainty

Uses metaphorical language to describe the confusion as a lack of clarity.

in complete discombobulation

Replaces "confusion" with "discombobulation" for a more humorous or emphatic effect.

FAQs

How can I use "in utter confusion" in a sentence?

You can use "in utter confusion" to describe situations where there is complete bewilderment or a total lack of understanding. For example, "The audience stared "in utter confusion" after the magician's trick".

What phrases are similar to "in utter confusion"?

Similar phrases include "in complete bewilderment", "in total disarray", and "in absolute chaos". Each conveys a strong sense of disorientation or lack of clarity.

Is it correct to say "in complete confusion" instead of "in utter confusion"?

Yes, "in complete confusion" is a valid alternative. While both phrases are similar, "utter" intensifies the feeling of confusion, suggesting a more profound state. The phrase "in complete confusion" may be more appropriate in contexts that require a less intense depiction of bewilderment.

What's the difference between "in utter confusion" and "in utter disarray"?

"In utter confusion" describes a mental state of bewilderment and lack of understanding, while "in utter disarray" describes a state of disorder or lack of organization. While related, the former focuses on cognitive state, and the latter on the physical state.