it was puzzling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was puzzling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, event, or piece of information that is confusing or difficult to understand. Example: "The sudden change in the schedule was puzzling to everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was puzzling how the Sun could broadcast its future activity levels to the Earth!

Advances in Space Research

Berwick said it was puzzling that Uber would want to publicise its defeat and spend a lot of time and money on what, ostensibly, was an administrative ruling that applied, in the first instance, only to her own circumstances.

The Guardian - Tech

It was puzzling, then, to circus buffs when Ringling canceled its venerable opening-night gala, Mr. Hall, the veteran circus producer, said.

The New York Times

It was puzzling.

The Guardian - Tech

JT: It was puzzling.

The Guardian - Books

It was puzzling and frightening.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's puzzling, frustrating.

The New York Times

"It's puzzling," she said.

The New Yorker

"It is puzzling," Girardi said.

The New York Times

It is puzzling that it did not.

The New Yorker

It is puzzling, but stimulating.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was puzzling" when you want to express mild confusion or a sense of something being difficult to understand without being overly negative or critical. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "it was puzzling" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less authoritative. Opt for stronger, more precise language like "the data presented a contradiction" or "the results defied expectations" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was puzzling" functions as a clause expressing a reaction to something perceived as confusing or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was puzzling" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey confusion or a lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability. The phrase is versatile, fitting into both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. While alternatives like "it was confusing" or "it was baffling" exist, "it was puzzling" offers a nuanced way to express mild bewilderment. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, this phrase is a reliable choice for expressing a sense of something being difficult to grasp.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was perplexing

Replaces "puzzling" with "perplexing", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it was baffling

Substitutes "puzzling" with "baffling", emphasizing the confusing nature of the subject.

it was confusing

Uses the more straightforward term "confusing" instead of "puzzling".

it was bewildering

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

it was mystifying

Uses "mystifying" to highlight the mysterious and inexplicable nature of the situation.

it was unclear

Offers a simpler way to express the lack of understanding, focusing on the absence of clarity.

it didn't make sense

Indicates a lack of logical coherence, suggesting the situation defied understanding.

i found it strange

Shifts the focus to a personal reaction of finding something odd or unusual.

i couldn't understand it

Emphasizes the inability to comprehend the situation.

it defied explanation

Highlights that the situation was impossible to explain or rationalize.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was puzzling" is used to describe something that is confusing or difficult to understand. For example: "It was puzzling why the train was delayed."

What can I say instead of "it was puzzling"?

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

Is "it was puzzling" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was puzzling" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, you might consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "it was puzzling" and "it was mysterious"?

"It was puzzling" suggests confusion or a lack of understanding, while "it was mysterious" implies that something is secretive, unknown, or difficult to explain, often with an element of intrigue.