Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

it's rather perplexing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Go away," he told O'Conner, and later in the evening apparently asked another journalist, "Are you friends with the Gawker girl?" As for Franco's anger over Brantley's review, it's rather perplexing given that it's hardly scathing.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Since this novel is set during wartime, it is obvious why it is necessary for them to move around, but it is rather perplexing why they cross over the Russian and German borders and back for no apparent reason, especially when all the checkpoints are guarded and their passports are stolen from corpses.

News & Media

The Guardian

It is rather perplexing for users when the interaction incorrectly switches the classification and removes correct ink strokes.

Science

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The issue of the tumor vessels permeability is rather perplexing.

Science

F1000Research

I'm rather perplexed by this debate, which has been going in the UK for quite some time because I view taxes as not optional.

News & Media

Independent

It's also perplexing.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

Although this effort is ongoing, results of association studies based on the NGM have been disappointing, or rather perplexing.

Science

Behavioral and Brain Functions

It's perplexing.

News & Media

The New York Times

She is, I think, but it's perplexing.

News & Media

Independent

It's perplexing measured against what voters hoped for.

News & Media

The Guardian

So it's perplexing why the secretariat took this decision".

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's rather perplexing" to express mild confusion or surprise when something doesn't quite make sense, but isn't extremely alarming or difficult to understand.

Common error

While "it's rather perplexing" is acceptable in many situations, excessive use of 'rather' can make your writing sound overly hesitant or uncertain, especially in professional or academic settings. Consider using more direct alternatives like 'it is perplexing' or 'it is confusing' for clarity and impact.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's rather perplexing" functions as an evaluative statement expressing a moderate degree of confusion or bewilderment. It offers a subjective assessment of a situation, indicating that something is not easily understood. Ludwig examples showcase usage in varied contexts, from news to scientific articles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

Less common in

Formal & Business

Reference

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's rather perplexing" is a phrase used to express a moderate level of confusion or puzzlement. Ludwig's analysis indicates the expression is grammatically correct, frequently used across various contexts like News, Science and Encyclopedias. The expression has a neutral tonality. Alternatives include "it's quite puzzling" or "it's somewhat baffling", offering nuanced ways to convey bewilderment. According to Ludwig AI, the examples show that it's fine.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's fairly perplexing

A more direct synonym, replacing "rather" with "fairly" for emphasis.

It's quite puzzling

Emphasizes the mysterious or enigmatic nature of something.

It's somewhat baffling

Highlights the confusing and inexplicable aspect of a situation.

It's a bit mystifying

Suggests a sense of mystery and difficulty in comprehension.

It's rather confusing

Directly expresses the lack of clarity and potential for misunderstanding.

It's somewhat enigmatic

Indicates that something is difficult to interpret or has a hidden meaning.

It's a little bewildering

Highlights the disorienting or overwhelming aspect of something.

It's pretty confounding

Conveys a sense of frustration and confusion due to complexity.

It's vaguely unsettling

Implicates a certain disquietude and unease due to the unexplainable situation.

It's a head-scratcher

A more informal way of describing something that causes one to think hard to understand.

FAQs

What does "it's rather perplexing" mean?

The phrase "it's rather perplexing" means that something is somewhat confusing or difficult to understand. The word "rather" softens the statement, indicating a mild level of bewilderment.

Are "it's perplexing" and "it's rather perplexing" interchangeable?

While both phrases convey confusion, "it's rather perplexing" /s/it's+rather+perplexing suggests a slightly lesser degree of confusion than "it's perplexing" /s/it's+perplexing. The word "rather" acts as a mitigator.

What can I say instead of "it's rather perplexing"?

You can use alternatives like "it's quite puzzling", "it's somewhat baffling", or "it's a bit mystifying" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "it's rather perplexing"?

The phrase "it's rather perplexing" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts, but may not be appropriate for highly formal or technical writing.

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Continue with Googlefor free

Continue with emailfor free

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

1-200 1k 2k 3k 4k 5k 7k 10k 20k 40k 100k 200k 500k 0m-3 0m-4 1m-1 1m-2 1m-3 1m-4

it's rather perplexingGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

it's rather perplexing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples