it can be confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be confusing" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it any time you want to suggest that something is complicated, or might be difficult to understand. For example, "Navigating the tax code can be confusing to those who don't have experience with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It's a powerful app, but though its interface is easy on the eye, navigating through it can be confusing.

The New York Times - Tech

It can be confusing.

The New York Times

Like so much club rugby in England, it can be confusing.

The Guardian - Sport

While this is proper statistically, it can be confusing to users who are more accustomed to the actual levels of exchange rates or share prices.

The Economist

However, it can be confusing to consumers since it is not always clear that, for example, rolled oats are whole grains".

The New York Times

Incidentally, according to Ms. Post, who also writes the online Well-Mannered Wedding column for The New York Times, divorced parents shouldn't stand together in pictures because it can be confusing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The Copyviocheckbot can be a little myopic, if it is not wearing its reading glasses it can be confused by articles with little or no content.

WikiHow

It can be confused with the three other species in its genus, but is larger than both, with brighter tail spots and different plumage tone.

Wikipedia

Yet it can be confused.

The New York Times

It can be confused with a good Chablis.

The New York Times

"Twitter can be a wonderful social tool, but at the same time it can be confused as a media outlet," said Howard Bragman, a publicist who had represented Mr. McMahon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be confusing", specify what "it" refers to, providing context to enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be confusing" without specifying what is confusing. Unclear references can leave your reader more puzzled than informed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be confusing" primarily functions as a subjective assessment, indicating the potential for misunderstanding or difficulty in comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, with numerous examples showcasing its role in introducing complex or potentially unclear topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be confusing" is a versatile phrase used to signal potential difficulty in understanding a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, wiki articles and science. While the phrase is useful for setting expectations, clarity can be enhanced by specifying what "it" refers to and providing further explanation. Alternatives such as "it may be perplexing" or "it could be misleading" can offer nuanced variations. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by always clarifying the source of potential confusion for your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be perplexing

Replaces "confusing" with "perplexing", suggesting something is puzzling or difficult to grasp.

it might be bewildering

Substitutes "confusing" with "bewildering", emphasizing a sense of being overwhelmed or disoriented.

it could be misleading

Shifts the focus to the potential for deception or incorrect interpretation.

it is potentially unclear

Highlights the lack of clarity as a primary issue.

it's easy to misunderstand

Focuses on the ease with which one can arrive at a wrong conclusion.

it's not always straightforward

Indicates a lack of simplicity and directness.

it presents challenges in comprehension

Formal phrasing, emphasizing the difficulties related to understanding.

navigating this can be tricky

Focuses on the difficulty of navigating or dealing with a specific situation.

understanding this requires care

Suggests that careful attention is needed to avoid confusion.

the situation is open to misinterpretation

Highlights the possibility of interpreting the situation incorrectly.

FAQs

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

You can use "it can be confusing" to introduce a topic or concept that may be difficult to understand. For instance, "The rules of the game are complex; "it can be confusing" for new players."

What can I say instead of "it can be confusing"?

You can use alternatives like "it may be perplexing", "it might be bewildering", or "it could be misleading" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it can be confusing" or "it is confusing"?

Both "it can be confusing" and "it is confusing" are grammatically correct. "It can be confusing" suggests a possibility or potential for confusion, while "it is confusing" states that something is, in fact, confusing.

What's the difference between "it can be confusing" and "it is potentially confusing"?

"It can be confusing" is a more common and direct way of expressing that something may cause confusion. "It is potentially confusing" adds emphasis to the possibility of confusion, suggesting a slightly higher likelihood or degree of uncertainty.