it is quite confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is quite confusing" is a correct sentence that is usable in written English.
You can use it when something is complex or unclear. For example: "The tax code is quite confusing. Can you help me understand it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, at first I found it quite hard to get into, as it is quite confusing.

The Guardian

It is quite confusing what we are doing when we are attacking at the moment".

BBC

Not to be confused with the 1970s Afrobeat of Fela Kuti – although admittedly it is quite confusing – the addition of an extra "s" denotes a frisky, contemporary fusion of hip-hop, house and west African pop, as championed by London DJs such as Choice FM's Abrantee and 1Xtra's DJ Edu.

The Guardian - Music

Although many of us would appreciate the membrane trafficking centric view of biology, this terminology, it is quite confusing due to many other co-chaperones and disassembly machine for other non-membrane trafficking biological processes.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's quite confusing.

The Guardian - Tech

"It was quite confusing.

BBC

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme in July, Mr Wales said: "The law as it stands right now is quite confusing.

BBC

It's a useless change that is quite confusing.

TechCrunch

Look, I will admit I'm quite confused.

The Guardian

After doing some research, I'm quite confused about how to prevent cracks in the tile.

The Washington Post

So I was quite confused after I read the study commissioned by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the trade group for the big banks and brokers, which came to the bizarre conclusion that putting customers first was, in fact, bad for customers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If the context is not clear in your previous sentence, specify what's causing confusion immediately after: "The new software is quite confusing, especially the user interface."

Common error

Avoid using "it is quite confusing" without a clear antecedent for "it". Readers should not have to guess what is causing the confusion. Specify the subject of confusion immediately to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is quite confusing" functions as an evaluative statement expressing a lack of understanding or clarity regarding a specific subject or situation. As noted by Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically sound and suitable for English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

22%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Huffington Post

9%

The Guardian - Music

6%

The New York Times

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is quite confusing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a lack of understanding or clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. While generally neutral in register, it may be advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and general Wiki content. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject of confusion is clear to the reader. Alternative phrases like "it is rather perplexing" or "it is a bit unclear" can provide subtle variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is rather perplexing

Replaces "confusing" with "perplexing", suggesting a slightly more intellectual bewilderment.

it is somewhat baffling

Uses "baffling" to indicate something that is difficult to understand or explain.

it is quite bewildering

Employs "bewildering" to convey a sense of being completely puzzled or disoriented.

it is fairly enigmatic

Substitutes "confusing" with "enigmatic", implying a mysterious or puzzling quality.

it is a bit unclear

Replaces "quite confusing" with "a bit unclear", softening the statement.

it's all rather muddled

Uses "muddled" to express a lack of clarity and order.

it's not entirely clear

States that something lacks complete clarity, but not necessarily confusing.

i find it rather perplexing

Shifts focus to personal experience using "I find it", making it more personal, and substitutes "confusing" with "perplexing".

the situation is rather unclear

Shifts focus to the situation, rather than a general statement of confusion, and replaces "confusing" with "unclear".

the matter is somewhat obscure

Replaces "confusing" with "obscure", suggesting something hidden or not well-known.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is quite confusing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it is rather perplexing", "it is somewhat baffling", or "the matter is somewhat obscure".

What's a simpler way to say "it is quite confusing"?

Simpler alternatives include "it is a bit unclear", "it's not entirely clear", or "it is hard to understand".

Is "it is quite confusing" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it is quite confusing" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Using more precise and formal language such as "it is rather perplexing" or elaborating on the specific point of confusion can strengthen your writing.

Can I use "it is quite confusing" in a professional email?

Yes, "it is quite confusing" is acceptable in a professional email, especially when seeking clarification. However, ensure you clearly state what you find confusing. You could also soften the phrase slightly by saying, "I find this rather unclear" or "I am having some difficulty understanding".