is baffling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is baffling" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is difficult to understand or explain. For example: "The origins of the statue are baffling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is baffling".

The New York Times - Books

This is baffling.

Independent

It is baffling.

The Guardian - Arts

Another is "baffling".

The Guardian - Film

Quantum theory is baffling.

The Guardian

Navigating the Xbox/Kinect software is baffling.

The New York Times - Tech

More than this, his failure is baffling.

The New York Times

"So this is baffling to everybody.

The New York Times - Sports

In many ways, democracy's rise is baffling.

The New Yorker

The college admissions process is baffling.

The Washington Post

This is baffling, on so many levels.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is baffling" when you want to express that something is difficult to understand, confusing, or perplexing. Ensure the subject of the phrase is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is baffling" for situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly annoying. The phrase implies a deeper level of incomprehension or complexity. For instance, saying "the traffic is baffling" is less effective than "the logic behind the traffic light sequence "is baffling"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is baffling" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject to describe its quality of being confusing or difficult to understand. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it links a subject to a state of perplexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is baffling" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey confusion or a lack of understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a predicate adjective, commonly found in news and media sources. While versatile, it's best used when describing genuine perplexity rather than minor inconveniences. Consider alternatives like "is perplexing" or "is confusing" for nuanced expression. With its widespread use and clear meaning, "is baffling" remains a reliable choice for expressing bewilderment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is perplexing

Emphasizes the puzzling nature of something.

is confusing

Highlights the lack of clarity or order.

is bewildering

Suggests a state of being completely puzzled or disoriented.

is puzzling

Focuses on the challenging nature of understanding something.

is mystifying

Implies an element of mystery or intrigue.

is incomprehensible

Highlights the impossibility of understanding.

is inexplicable

Indicates something that cannot be explained.

is unfathomable

Suggests the depth of the difficulty in understanding.

defies understanding

Emphasizes resistance to comprehension.

remains a mystery

Implies that the matter is unsolved and unclear.

FAQs

How can I use "is baffling" in a sentence?

Use "is baffling" to describe something that is difficult to understand or explain. For instance, "The persistence of this outdated belief "is baffling"".

What can I say instead of "is baffling"?

You can use alternatives like "is perplexing", "is confusing", or "is bewildering" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is baffling" in formal writing?

Yes, "is baffling" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversations alike.

What's the difference between "is baffling" and "is surprising"?

"Is baffling" indicates a lack of understanding, while "is surprising" indicates unexpectedness. Something can be surprising without being difficult to understand, and vice versa.