it gets confused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gets confused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something or someone becomes unclear or uncertain about a particular matter. Example: "When too many options are presented at once, it gets confused and struggles to make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Moreover, the company can look to its largest shareholder, Robert Stiller, for advice if it gets confused by the competitive coffee market: he made his considerable fortune as the founder of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc.

Huffington Post

* "'description"': when "smart indentation" is ON, it gets confused sometimes.

Princeton University

As soon as it gets confused, the brain spins everything around and reorients itself within milliseconds.

The Guardian

By presenting community development as deficit based, it gets confused with misguided top-down regeneration policies.

The Guardian

The estimator has to be held perpendicular to the wall or surface being measured, or it gets confused.

The New York Times - Tech

1.2 Smart Indentation Incorrect for things like "one-liners" Smart Indentation Incorrect for things like "one-liners" description: when "smart indentation" is ON, it gets confused sometimes.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Then it gets confusing.

The Washington Post

Indeed, it gets confusing with the Rangers.

The New York Times - Sports

If you try to get too tricky with the lyrics, it gets confusing.

The Guardian - Music

But it gets confusing with the fist pumps and the clenches and the handshakes.

The Guardian - Sport

For those unfamiliar, it gets confusing.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it gets confused" when referring to systems, processes, or concepts that become unclear or uncertain due to complexity or conflicting information. For example, "The algorithm gets confused when it encounters unexpected data."

Common error

Be careful not to over-anthropomorphize inanimate objects or abstract concepts when using "it gets confused". Ensure that the context logically supports the idea of something becoming unclear or uncertain, rather than simply malfunctioning or failing. For example, instead of saying "The machine gets confused", it might be more accurate to say "The machine malfunctions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gets confused" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a subject (represented by "it") experiences a state of mental uncertainty or lack of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it gets confused" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of uncertainty or lack of clarity. Ludwig AI demonstrates its applicability across diverse contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in specific professional settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of avoiding anthropomorphism and ensure its logical fit within the context. Related phrases include "it becomes muddled" and "it gets mixed up", which can add nuance or formality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gets mixed up

Uses a more informal expression, suggesting elements are incorrectly combined or associated.

it becomes muddled

Changes "gets confused" to a more formal synonym, "becomes muddled".

it becomes perplexing

Replaces "gets confused" with "becomes perplexing", emphasizing the puzzling nature of the situation.

it becomes bewildering

Substitutes "gets confused" with "becomes bewildering", suggesting a higher degree of disorientation.

it loses clarity

Focuses on the loss of clear understanding, replacing "gets confused" with a phrase about lacking clarity.

it gets disoriented

Emphasizes a loss of spatial or temporal awareness, similar to being confused.

it loses its way

Implies a deviation from a clear path or understanding, rather than a direct state of confusion.

it loses focus

Shifts the meaning to a lack of concentration, differing slightly from pure confusion.

it can't make sense of it

Expresses an inability to understand something, rather than a direct state of confusion.

it is unclear

States directly that something lacks clarity, diverging from the active sense of "getting confused".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it gets confused" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it becomes muddled", "it becomes perplexing", or "it loses clarity". These options offer a more sophisticated vocabulary while retaining the core meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "it gets confused" in writing?

Use "it gets confused" when describing situations where a system, process, or even a person experiences a lack of clarity or understanding due to complexity, ambiguity, or conflicting information. For instance, "The software gets confused by the unexpected input" or "The instructions get confused with too many steps".

What's the difference between "it gets confused" and "it malfunctions"?

"It gets confused" implies a state of uncertainty or lack of understanding, while "it malfunctions" suggests a breakdown in proper functioning. If a machine provides incorrect results due to unclear data, "it gets confused" is appropriate. If the machine simply stops working, "it malfunctions" is more accurate.

Are there situations where "it gets confused" might be considered too informal?

While generally acceptable, "it gets confused" may be too informal for highly technical or academic writing. In such contexts, opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "it becomes ambiguous", "it lacks resolution", or "it exhibits uncertainty".