is puzzling

USAGE SUMMARY

"is puzzling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is difficult to understand or explain. For example: "The reason for the sudden shift in government policy is puzzling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is puzzling.

The Economist

This stagnation is puzzling.

The New York Times

But this is puzzling.

The New Yorker

HUMAN intelligence is puzzling.

The Economist

This story is puzzling.

Columbia University

This statement is puzzling.

Cornell University

The rationale is puzzling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such hostility is puzzling.

The Guardian - Books

The delay is puzzling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The find was puzzling.

The New York Times

"It's puzzling, frustrating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is puzzling" to introduce an observation or situation that contradicts expectations or lacks an obvious explanation. This can effectively set up a problem or question for further analysis.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is puzzling" without offering any details about why it's confusing or what makes it noteworthy. Provide enough context for the reader to understand the nature of the puzzle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is puzzling" functions as a linking verb followed by a predicate adjective. It connects the subject to a description of its state, indicating that the subject is difficult to understand or explain. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing its prevalence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is puzzling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey confusion or a lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function as a linking verb and predicate adjective highlights the perplexing nature of a subject. While appearing in academic and scientific writing, it's most prevalent in news and media contexts. For alternative expressions, you might consider "is perplexing", "is confusing", or "is mysterious". When using "is puzzling", remember to provide sufficient context to clarify the source of confusion for your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is perplexing

Replaces "puzzling" with a synonym that also implies confusion or bewilderment.

is confusing

A more direct synonym for "puzzling", suggesting a lack of clarity.

is baffling

Implies a stronger sense of being completely unable to understand something.

is hard to understand

A more explicit way of saying something is not easily grasped.

is mysterious

Shifts the focus to the unknown and unexplained nature of something.

is difficult to explain

Focuses on the challenge of providing a clear account or reason for something.

is enigmatic

Suggests something is deliberately obscure or difficult to interpret.

defies explanation

Emphasizes the impossibility of providing a rational account for something.

raises questions

Highlights the uncertainty and need for further investigation that something provokes.

begs the question

Indicates that something prompts a fundamental question that needs to be addressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "is puzzling" to describe something that is difficult to understand or explain. For example, "The sudden change in his behavior is puzzling."

What are some alternatives to "is puzzling"?

You can use alternatives like "is perplexing", "is confusing", or "is mysterious" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is puzzling" and "is confusing"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of understanding, "is puzzling" often suggests a more intriguing or thought-provoking lack of clarity, whereas "is confusing" simply means difficult to understand. "Is puzzling" invites more analysis than "is confusing".

When is it appropriate to use "is puzzling" in writing?

Use "is puzzling" when you want to express that something is not only difficult to understand but also somewhat intriguing or unexpected. It is suitable for academic, news, and general writing where you want to highlight an anomaly or question.