it can be perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be perplexing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or concept that may cause confusion or difficulty in understanding. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture are quite detailed, but it can be perplexing for first-time users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it can be perplexing or even maddening for ordinary consumers.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At first, such nation-crushes can be perplexing.

The New Yorker

Other times, they said, studio participation can be perplexing.

The New York Times

The back-and-forth of the debt limit negotiations can be perplexing.

The New York Times

The classification of terriers can be perplexing to dog show followers.

The New York Times - Sports

Discussing the process of making bread with Forbes can be perplexing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A seeming lack of clear "functional enrichment" can be perplexing.

Science Magazine

Biased allosteric modulators can be designed with high subtype selectivity and defined receptor signaling endpoints, however, selecting the most meaningful parameters for optimization can be perplexing.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

One can be perplexed by the amazing biological diversity on our planet and still be stunned about the chemical uniformity of present biological life.

FEBS Letters

And although the human appetite for uncannily simulated reality would appear to be eternal, if perplexing, it can be much more cheaply gratified by visiting Madame Tussaud's.

The New York Times

Regulators can also be perplexed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be perplexing", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be perplexing" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be perplexing" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes that something has the capacity to cause confusion. The phrase serves to qualify a statement, indicating that while something may not always be confusing, it has the potential to be so.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be perplexing" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the potential for confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject ('it') is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity, and consider alternatives like "it may be confusing" or "it might be puzzling" to fine-tune your meaning. While frequently encountered, clarity in usage will enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be confusing

Replaces 'perplexing' with 'confusing', focusing on the aspect of causing disorientation.

it might be puzzling

Substitutes 'perplexing' with 'puzzling', highlighting the enigmatic nature of something.

it could be bewildering

Uses 'bewildering' instead of 'perplexing', emphasizing the state of being extremely confused.

it has the potential to confuse

Changes the structure to focus on the potential effect of causing confusion.

it is sometimes baffling

Employs 'baffling' to underscore the frustrating aspect of being incomprehensible.

it can create confusion

Focuses on the creation of confusion as a result of something.

it is capable of causing perplexity

Uses a more formal tone to describe the ability to cause perplexity.

it is liable to be misunderstood

Shifts the focus to the likelihood of being misinterpreted, rather than directly causing confusion.

understanding it can be challenging

Changes the sentence structure to highlight the difficulty in understanding.

grasping it might present difficulties

Focuses on the challenge of grasping or comprehending something.

FAQs

What does "it can be perplexing" mean?

The phrase "it can be perplexing" means that something has the potential to be confusing or difficult to understand. It suggests that the subject in question might cause someone to feel puzzled or bewildered.

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

Use "it can be perplexing" when you want to express that something might cause confusion. For instance, "The instructions are detailed, but "it can be perplexing" for first-time users."

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

You can use alternatives like "it may be confusing", "it might be puzzling", or "it could be bewildering" depending on the context.

Is "it is perplexing" different from "it can be perplexing"?

"It is perplexing" indicates a present state of confusion or bewilderment, while "it can be perplexing" suggests a potential or possibility for something to cause confusion. The former is a direct observation, while the latter is a predictive statement.