it is perplexing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is perplexing that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or bewilderment about a particular situation or statement. Example: "It is perplexing that so many people continue to ignore the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 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 that an entirely different sort of fallibility afflicted the team at Old Trafford.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Juan Mata was so prominently involved it was perplexing that Van Gaal should substitute him.

The Guardian - Sport

Chris Smalling's improvement has been vast but it was perplexing that he was voted as man of the match.

The Guardian - Sport

True, it's perplexing that an item which can be recycled in one county is mysteriously unrecyclable in the county next door.

Independent

It was perplexing that the Connecticut Poetry Society was omitted from the April 1 article "Giving a Voice to Poetry for the People".

The New York Times

Maybe, in hindsight, Pellegrini will regret not starting Nicolás Otamendi in defence and, likewise, it was perplexing that he left out Fernandinho in favour of the inferior Fernando.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is perplexing that" to introduce a statement that seems contradictory to available information or expected outcomes. For a stronger impact, follow it with a clear explanation of why the situation is confusing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "it is perplexing that" too frequently, particularly in informal settings, can sound overly formal or stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I'm confused why" or "It's weird that" for more casual communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is perplexing that" functions as a discourse marker, specifically used to introduce a statement that the speaker or writer finds confusing, contradictory, or difficult to understand. It signals a deviation from expected norms or logical conclusions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is perplexing that" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to introduce statements that are confusing or contradictory. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey bewilderment, making it suitable for analytical writing in news, science, and formal contexts. While versatile, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Remember to use it strategically to highlight significant incongruities and invite reflection on the underlying reasons for the confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is puzzling that

Replaces "perplexing" with "puzzling", indicating confusion but potentially less strongly.

it is baffling that

Uses "baffling" to suggest a complete inability to understand something.

it is mystifying that

Implies something is mysterious and hard to explain.

it is bewildering that

Suggests a state of confusion and disorientation.

it is strange that

Indicates something is unusual or unexpected.

it is curious that

Highlights the odd or unusual nature of something.

it is odd that

Emphasizes the irregularity or strangeness of a situation.

it is remarkable that

Focuses on the noteworthy or exceptional nature of something, often implying surprise.

it is astonishing that

Suggests something is highly surprising or impressive.

it is surprising that

Directly expresses surprise about something.

FAQs

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

Use "it is perplexing that" to express confusion or bewilderment about a situation. For example, "It is perplexing that the company's profits are down despite increased sales."

What are some alternatives to "it is perplexing that"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is puzzling that", "it is baffling that", or "it is confusing that" depending on the level of confusion you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it's perplexing that"?

Yes, "it's perplexing that" is a contraction of "it is perplexing that" and is perfectly acceptable in many contexts. The choice between the two often depends on the desired level of formality.

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

"It is perplexing that" indicates confusion and difficulty in understanding, while "it is surprising that" simply expresses unexpectedness. The former emphasizes a lack of comprehension, while the latter highlights astonishment.