it can be confounding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be confounding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or concept that is confusing or difficult to understand. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture are so poorly written that it can be confounding for anyone trying to put it together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It can be confounding, sometimes tedious, but also exhilarating, and often reads like no other writer you know.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the present study, exposures were assessed only via interview; it is possible that asthma was misclassified, as it can be confounded with other respiratory infections, resulting in over-reporting by parents.

British Journal of Cancer

However, one of the potential limitations of using PST to estimate additive genetic variance is that it can be confounded by environmental and nonadditive genetic effects (Pujol et al. 2008; Brommer 2011), so caution is needed on its interpretation.

Evolutionary Applications

Survival time may not be the most sensitive variable, however, because it can be confounded by various other medical problems that arise in older dogs with malignant bone cancer.

BMC Veterinary Research

However, analysis of gene expression rarely provides insights into the underlying genetic changes and it can be confounded by physiological variation, such as the degree of inflammatory response or hypoxia [27].

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects

In addition, although self-report of chronic disease diagnoses has been shown to agree with medical record diagnoses from 73%to83%3% of the time [ 38], it can be argued that it is too subjective a measure of multimorbidity and that it can be confounded by the presence of depression [ 28].

BMC Family Practice

But if the goal is just getting away from it all for a while, the range of choices can be confounding.

The New York Times - Travel

Helping others understand that this person has a disorienting illness that can be confounding to him or her and perplexing to those who don't live with it.

Los Angeles Times

Some rules can be confounding.

The New York Times - Sports

Their variety can be confounding.

The New York Times - Food

The spectrum between creepy and criminal can be confounding.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be confounding", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The process can be confounding", specify, "The application process can be confounding because of the numerous required documents."

Common error

Avoid using "it can be confounding" as a standalone statement without specifying what exactly is confounding. Without clear context, the phrase becomes vague and unhelpful. Instead, provide specific details about what aspects are confusing and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be confounding" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. Ludwig AI indicates it conveys that something has the potential to cause confusion or bewilderment, often due to complexity or ambiguity. The examples show it describing processes, concepts, and even emotions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be confounding" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something with the potential to cause confusion. Ludwig AI agrees that its usage is valid. While the phrase is relatively infrequent, it appears across various sources, including news media and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear context. Consider alternatives like "it may be perplexing" for a more formal tone, or "it could be confusing" for a simpler expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be perplexing

Replaces "confounding" with "perplexing", suggesting something is puzzling or difficult to understand.

it could be confusing

Substitutes "confounding" with "confusing", indicating something causes disorientation or lack of clarity.

it might be bewildering

Replaces "confounding" with "bewildering", suggesting something is extremely confusing or disorienting.

it has the potential to confuse

Changes the structure to emphasize the potential to cause confusion, rather than stating it directly.

it is susceptible to misinterpretation

Shifts focus to the possibility of misunderstanding, implying complexity or ambiguity.

it is not always straightforward

Indicates a lack of simplicity and directness, implying potential for confusion.

it is open to different interpretations

Highlights the ambiguity, suggesting multiple possible understandings that can lead to confusion.

it presents challenges in understanding

Focuses on the difficulty involved in comprehending something.

it is difficult to grasp

Emphasizes the struggle to understand or comprehend.

it lacks clarity

Directly states the absence of clear and easily understandable information.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be confounding" in a sentence?

Use "it can be confounding" to describe a situation, concept, or process that is confusing or difficult to understand. For instance, "The tax code "can be confounding" due to its complex regulations".

What's a more formal alternative to "it can be confounding"?

A more formal alternative is "it may be perplexing", which suggests something is puzzling or difficult to fully comprehend.

Is "it can be confounding" the same as "it is confusing"?

While similar, "it can be confounding" suggests a potential for confusion or disorientation, while "it is confusing" states it as a current state. The first has a nuance that something is complex enough that confusion may occur.

When should I avoid using "it can be confounding"?

Avoid using "it can be confounding" when the source of confusion is obvious or when a simpler term like "confusing" is more direct. Also, ensure you provide context so that the reader understands what "it" refers to.