it is puzzling that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is puzzling that" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express confusion or surprise about something that is not easily understood or explained. Example: It is puzzling that Sarah always arrives to work late, despite living only a few minutes away from the office.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is puzzling that it did not.

The New Yorker

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

Clean air should be a global priority, and it is puzzling that it is not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet it is puzzling that the elite seemed not to indulge in private lives of excess.

The New York Times - Science

Still, it is puzzling that Polgar has stood alone for so long.

The New York Times

"It is puzzling that the public is paying more attention to a homeless doll than the homeless themselves".

The Guardian

And thus it is puzzling that she loses that sense of subtlety as the book moves into the present.

The New York Times - Books

That is why it is puzzling that President Obama has made such a poor fist of foreign policy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He added, "It is puzzling that when Newsweek looks at me what you mostly see is a Mormon".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is puzzling that" to introduce a statement that contrasts with what is expected or previously known, signaling a need for further explanation or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is puzzling that" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's weird that" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is puzzling that" serves as a connector to introduce a statement that presents a contradiction, paradox, or something unexpected. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct, frequently used, and signals the need for explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

43%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is puzzling that" is a versatile phrase used to express confusion or mild surprise, often prompting further inquiry. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for written English. As evidenced by the Ludwig examples, it appears frequently in news, media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While semantically similar alternatives like "it's odd that" or "it's strange that" exist, "it is puzzling that" specifically highlights a lack of understanding rather than mere surprise. For best use, employ it to introduce unexpected or contradictory information, but avoid overuse in extremely informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's perplexing that

Replaces "puzzling" with "perplexing", heightening the sense of confusion and suggesting something is difficult to understand.

it's baffling that

Substitutes "puzzling" with "baffling", conveying a stronger sense of being bewildered or stumped by something.

it's bewildering that

Replaces "puzzling" with "bewildering", emphasizing the feeling of being disoriented and confused by something.

it's odd that

Replaces "puzzling" with "odd", suggesting something is strange or unusual, but with less emphasis on confusion.

it's curious that

Substitutes "puzzling" with "curious", implying something is interesting and worth investigating due to its unexpected nature.

it's incomprehensible that

Substitutes "puzzling" with "incomprehensible", emphasizing the inability to understand something due to its complexity or irrationality.

it's strange that

Uses "strange" instead of "puzzling", indicating something deviates from the norm, often raising questions or suspicion.

it's unfathomable that

Uses "unfathomable" instead of "puzzling", suggesting something is beyond one's ability to grasp or comprehend fully.

it's mystifying that

Uses "mystifying" instead of "puzzling", suggesting something is incomprehensible and perhaps even magical or supernatural.

it's enigmatic that

Replaces "puzzling" with "enigmatic", implying something is mysterious and difficult to interpret, often due to hidden meanings.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is puzzling that" to express confusion or surprise about something unexpected. For instance, "It is puzzling that she didn't mention her promotion."

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

You can use alternatives like "it's odd that", "it's curious that", or "it's strange that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "it is puzzling that" formal or informal?

"It is puzzling that" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal settings, consider using alternatives like "it's weird that".

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

"It is puzzling that" implies confusion or lack of understanding, while ""it is surprising that"" simply expresses astonishment without necessarily implying confusion.