is utterly confused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is utterly confused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is completely perplexed or unable to understand a situation. Example: "After hearing the complicated explanation, she is utterly confused about the project's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Phineas is utterly confused.

The New York Times - Books

The crew here is utterly confused.

The New York Times

"Most of the debate is utterly confused or generally without knowledge".

The Guardian

Everyone who needs to know about Medicare Part D is utterly confused about it -- AARP representatives, insurance agents, health insurance companies, pharmacies and seniors who will be affected by it.

The New York Times

His family is utterly confused by what has happened to their town and their country.

BBC

My mom is utterly confused because she does not surf the internet or do "The Google".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The copyright situation in this country is utterly confusing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sequence in which Primo and Barbara take a suitcase full of money into the woods to be left for the kidnappers is utterly confusing.

The New York Times

That all makes sense; what is utterly confusing, though, is why, exactly three decades later, the workforce that keeps our air-transport system intact has been effectively crippled because of decisions in Washington — or rather a lack of decision.

The New Yorker

That all makes sense; what is utterly confusing, though, is why, exactly three decades later, the workforce that keeps our air-transport system intact has been effectively crippled because of decisions in Washington or rather a lack of decision.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet That all makes sense; what is utterly confusing, though, is why, exactly three decades later, the workforce that keeps our air-transport system intact has been effectively crippled because of decisions in Washington — or rather a lack of decision.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is utterly confused" when you want to emphasize a strong sense of bewilderment or lack of understanding. It's suitable for describing emotional reactions to complex situations or surprising events.

Common error

While "utterly" intensifies the confusion, avoid overusing it in close proximity within your writing. Redundant use can weaken the impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "completely", "totally", or "absolutely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is utterly confused" functions as a descriptive expression, specifically an adjective phrase, that attributes a state of extreme confusion to a subject. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a grammatically sound way to emphasize bewilderment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is utterly confused" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to express a strong sense of bewilderment or lack of understanding. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable across various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's essential to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "is completely perplexed" or "is totally baffled" can provide variety. Remember to emphasize the intensity of confusion without sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is completely perplexed

Emphasizes a state of total bewilderment, similar to being utterly confused but with a slightly more formal tone.

is totally baffled

Highlights the inability to understand something, closely mirroring the meaning of being utterly confused.

is absolutely bewildered

Indicates a high degree of confusion and disorientation, akin to being utterly confused.

is at a loss

Suggests an inability to comprehend or find a solution, reflecting a state of confusion.

cannot make head nor tail of

An idiomatic expression denoting complete failure to understand something, similar in impact to being utterly confused.

is in a fog

Implies a state of mental obscurity and confusion, sharing a sense of disorientation with being utterly confused.

is all mixed up

Conveys a sense of disarray and confusion, resembling a less intense version of being utterly confused.

is disoriented

Focuses on the loss of bearings and understanding, echoing the sense of confusion.

is muddled

Suggests a state of confused and disordered thinking, aligning with the general sense of being utterly confused.

doesn't have a clue

An informal way of saying someone lacks understanding, indicating a state of confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "is utterly confused" in a sentence?

You can use "is utterly confused" to describe someone's state of mind when they are extremely perplexed. For example: "After the lecture, he "is utterly confused" about the topic."

What are some alternatives to "is utterly confused"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is completely perplexed", "is totally baffled", or "is absolutely bewildered", which convey similar meanings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is utterly confused"?

Yes, "is utterly confused" is grammatically correct. "Utterly" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "confused", indicating the degree of confusion.

What's the difference between "is confused" and "is utterly confused"?

"Is confused" indicates a general state of perplexity. "Is utterly confused" emphasizes a much stronger degree of confusion, implying a complete lack of understanding. The addition of "utterly" intensifies the meaning.