it is puzzling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is puzzling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or a lack of understanding about a situation or statement. Example: "The sudden change in policy is puzzling to many employees who were not informed beforehand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The novel is so sophisticated that it is puzzling to see its blindness.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is puzzling," Girardi said.

The New York Times

It is puzzling, but stimulating.

The Guardian - Books

It is puzzling that it did not.

The New Yorker

In Karjakin's case, it is puzzling.

The New York Times

Thirty years on, it is puzzling to find them revived.

The New York Times - Arts

It is puzzling, however, for the critical focus here to be on Congressional Republicans.

The New York Times

So it is puzzling that this new book is at once so dense and so slack.

The New York Times - Books

Still, Ms. Dunne said: "It is puzzling that the generals have let it go this far.

The New York Times

But it is puzzling that the announcement did not address this issue.

The New York Times

Furthermore, it is puzzling why other stegosaurs and other dinosaurs lacked elaborate thermoregulatory structures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is puzzling", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing confusion. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it is puzzling" as a standalone statement without specifying what exactly is puzzling. Instead, provide the context or reason behind the confusion to make the statement more meaningful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is puzzling" primarily functions as an introductory expression to indicate confusion, doubt, or a lack of understanding about a particular situation, fact, or statement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across a wide array of examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is puzzling" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey confusion or a lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, its presence across diverse sources like news, science, and encyclopedias highlights its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it leans slightly towards formality, particularly in academic and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "it is confusing", "it is perplexing", and "it is baffling", each offering subtle nuances. To maximize clarity, ensure to provide specific context when using this phrase. This guide helps in effectively employing "it is puzzling" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is perplexing

Replaces "puzzling" with "perplexing", a synonym indicating bewilderment.

it is confusing

Substitutes "puzzling" with "confusing", highlighting the lack of clarity.

it is baffling

Uses "baffling" instead of "puzzling", emphasizing the inability to understand.

it is bewildering

Replaces "puzzling" with "bewildering", suggesting a state of being thoroughly confused.

it is mysterious

Substitutes "puzzling" with "mysterious", implying an unknown or unexplained aspect.

it is inexplicable

Uses "inexplicable" to replace "puzzling", indicating something that cannot be explained.

it is incomprehensible

Replaces "puzzling" with "incomprehensible", stressing the difficulty in understanding.

it is unfathomable

Substitutes "puzzling" with "unfathomable", suggesting something that cannot be fully understood or explored.

it is enigmatic

Uses "enigmatic" instead of "puzzling", highlighting the mysterious and difficult-to-interpret nature of something.

it is cryptic

Replaces "puzzling" with "cryptic", implying a hidden or obscure meaning.

FAQs

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

Use "it is puzzling" to express confusion or a lack of understanding about something. For example, "It is puzzling that the announcement did not address this issue".

What are some alternatives to "it is puzzling"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is confusing", "it is perplexing", or "it is baffling" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is puzzling" formal or informal?

"It is puzzling" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. Always evaluate alternatives to improve your writings.

What makes "it is puzzling" different from "it is surprising"?

"It is puzzling" indicates confusion or a lack of understanding, while "it is surprising" expresses unexpectedness. The former focuses on a cognitive challenge, whereas the latter focuses on an emotional reaction to something unexpected.