it can become confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can become confusing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or topic that may lead to misunderstanding or lack of clarity. Example: "When multiple variables are involved in the experiment, it can become confusing for the participants to follow the instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Once you start saying, 'Let's talk political, my own politics, my own aspirations,' it can become not just distracting in that it takes time, but it can become confusing and frustrating, and is this now a political agenda or a governmental agenda," he said.

The New York Times

It can become confusing if you want to watch a show and end up with a movie.

WikiHow

Don't change your mind when you have made a decision or make it acceptable to do something on a one off basis as it can become confusing for the child when they think that it is okay and then get told off for doing the same thing later on.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When rocks are broken, pressured and twisted, they can become confusing.

The New York Times - Arts

Without the proper grammar the written piece can become confusing.

WikiHow

Programs can become confused if a drive letter it needs to function becomes unavailable.

WikiHow

His skin is becoming papery and jaundiced; he tires easily and can become confused if he fails to take medication that helps clear his flagging liver.

The New York Times

When the brain cannot cope, you can become confused, develop delirium, or show signs of disease.

Harvard University

In adolescence, as we try to reconcile these parts and find a route forward, things can become confused.

The New Yorker

As the examples make clear, even smart people with advanced degrees can become confused by accounting issues.

The New York Times

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said controversial club owner Mike Ashley can become confused and upset about the game.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can become confusing" to signal a potential for misunderstanding, especially when simplifying complex topics. This helps readers anticipate possible challenges in comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "it can become confusing" too frequently in your writing, as this can make your text seem repetitive and predictable. Use synonyms such as "it may be perplexing" or "it might lead to ambiguity" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can become confusing" primarily functions as a hedge, softening a statement by indicating a possibility rather than a certainty. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to signal potential difficulties in understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can become confusing" is a versatile phrase used to signal potential difficulties in understanding, cautioning readers about complex information. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and appears across varied sources such as News & Media and Wiki. While it's generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure clarity in the context to avoid compounding the potential confusion. Remember to vary your language, consider formal synonyms where appropriate, and most importantly, clearly define what "it" refers to!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may lead to confusion

Replaces "become" with "lead to", slightly altering the emphasis from a process to a potential outcome.

it could get muddled

Uses "muddled" as a synonym for "confusing", suggesting a lack of clarity or order.

it might be perplexing

Replaces "confusing" with "perplexing", indicating a state of bewilderment or difficulty in understanding.

it may not be clear

Focuses on the lack of clarity as the primary issue, rather than the process of becoming confused.

it could be baffling

Substitutes "confusing" with "baffling", implying something that is difficult to comprehend or explain.

it can turn into a mess

Emphasizes the negative outcome of confusion, suggesting disorder or disarray.

it might generate ambiguity

Highlights the creation of ambiguity as a consequence, focusing on the lack of definiteness.

it can result in misunderstanding

Points to misunderstanding as the result, stressing the failure to understand correctly.

it may be difficult to follow

Shifts the focus to the difficulty in understanding or tracking something.

it can prove disorienting

Replaces "confusing" with "disorienting", suggesting a loss of sense of direction or understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it can become confusing" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "it may engender ambiguity" or "it could lead to misinterpretations". These options offer a more sophisticated tone.

What does "it can become confusing" mean?

The phrase "it can become confusing" means that something has the potential to cause someone to feel bewildered, perplexed, or lacking clarity. It suggests a process where understanding diminishes.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it can become confusing" in writing?

Use "it can become confusing" when introducing complex or multifaceted information where the reader might struggle to follow along. This prepares them for potential difficulties in comprehension.

Are there situations where using "it can become confusing" is not recommended?

Avoid using "it can become confusing" when describing simple or straightforward concepts. Overusing it in easy-to-understand contexts can make your writing seem patronizing or unnecessarily complicated.