it is perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is perplexing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is confusing or difficult to understand. Example: "The sudden change in policy is perplexing to many employees who are unsure of how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it is perplexing that the State Department would choose to beat up its relief recipient while Haiti is down for the count.

Huffington Post

It is perplexing.

The Guardian

It is perplexing that an entirely different sort of fallibility afflicted the team at Old Trafford.

The Guardian - Sport

In light of costs and benefits, it is perplexing why Germany is so adamant in saying no.

The New York Times

But given that Miliband has made that leap, it is perplexing that he is still being so cautious.

The Guardian

But America's relationship with guns is as deep and complex at home as it is perplexing abroad.

The Guardian

If you saw this in a home design store, you wouldn't think twice about it; in the gallery it is perplexing -- a philosophical riddle.

The New York Times - Arts

It is "perplexing" that Sony's chief executive, Kazuo Hirai, was apparently not worried about two movies that had disappointing debuts at the box office, "After Earth" and "White House Down," Third Point said.

The New York Times

As a tragedy, it is perplexing in that the chief figures of the play (apart from Hector) do not die at the end, and the mood is one of desolation and even disgust rather than tragic catharsis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is perplexing that a country with the oldest franchise system, the latest high-tech facilities and one of the highest literacy rates has so many problems with its election system.

The New York Times

It is perplexing that the minister for equality wants to maintain discriminatory laws that prohibit gay couples from having a religious marriage and heterosexual couples from having a civil partnership.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is perplexing" when you want to express that something is not only confusing but also somewhat puzzling or difficult to explain, often inviting further investigation or thought.

Common error

While appropriate in formal writing and academic discussions, avoid using "it is perplexing" too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's confusing" or "I don't get it" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is perplexing" functions as a comment clause or introductory phrase. It sets the stage for expressing confusion or difficulty in understanding a particular situation, fact, or statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is perplexing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is frequently employed in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While interchangeable with simpler alternatives like "it's confusing", "it is perplexing" adds a layer of formality and invites deeper consideration of the subject at hand. Remember to adjust the tone for casual settings and explore related phrases to fine-tune your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is confusing

Expresses a state of being unclear or difficult to understand, similar to "it is perplexing" but with a slightly less formal tone.

it is baffling

Indicates something is completely incomprehensible or puzzling, close in meaning to "it is perplexing" but often implying a higher degree of mystery.

it is puzzling

Suggests something is causing mild confusion or is difficult to explain, akin to "it is perplexing" but potentially less intense.

it is mysterious

Emphasizes the enigmatic nature of something, overlapping with "it is perplexing" when the confusion arises from hidden or unknown factors.

it is enigmatic

Highlights the obscure or difficult-to-interpret quality of something, mirroring "it is perplexing" in a more formal or literary way.

it is bewildering

Suggests a state of extreme confusion or disorientation, comparable to "it is perplexing" but with a stronger sense of being overwhelmed.

it is incomprehensible

Indicates something is impossible to understand, sharing the core meaning of "it is perplexing" but more absolute in its negation of understanding.

it is unfathomable

Conveys that something cannot be fully explored or understood, relating to "it is perplexing" by highlighting the limits of comprehension.

it is beyond understanding

Directly states that something is not able to be understood, aligning with "it is perplexing" in expressing a lack of comprehension.

it is hard to understand

A simpler, more direct way of saying something is difficult to comprehend, similar to "it is perplexing" but less formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is perplexing" to express confusion or difficulty in understanding something. For example, "It is perplexing why the project was suddenly canceled" or "It is perplexing how the data was misinterpreted".

What are some alternatives to "it is perplexing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is confusing", "it is baffling", or "it is puzzling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is perplexing" formal or informal?

"It is perplexing" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, phrases like "it's confusing" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it is perplexing" and "it is confusing"?

While both express a lack of understanding, "it is perplexing" often implies a deeper level of mystery or a more specific kind of bewilderment than "it is confusing". "It is perplexing" suggests something is not just unclear but also puzzling in a way that invites further inquiry.