may raise confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

'may raise confusion' is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which something creates an unclear or uncertain situation. For example: "The ambiguous instructions given about the assignment may raise confusion among the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We realize that the different traces may raise confusion.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They may raise salt levels.

The Economist

This may raise eyebrows.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it may raise eyebrows in Iowa.

The Economist

But its latest may raise some eyebrows.

The New York Times

Certainly, reforms may raise potential growth.

The Economist

This may raise untrimmed eyebrows in Madrid.

The Economist

He may raise a question or two.

The New York Times

These four may raise more than $8 billion.

The New York Times

Externally people may raise questions.

The New York Times

Other indexicals may raise similar issues.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may raise confusion", ensure the subject causing the potential confusion is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "may raise confusion" when the situation clearly causes more than just potential confusion. Opt for stronger phrases like "will certainly confuse" or "causes significant disorientation" if the context warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may raise confusion" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential outcome. It suggests that something has the ability to cause uncertainty or a lack of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may raise confusion" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the potential for something to cause uncertainty or misunderstanding. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely accepted in written English. While similar phrases exist, such as "could generate uncertainty" or "might lead to misunderstandings", "may raise confusion" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. Understanding its function and purpose, as well as potential pitfalls, helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could generate uncertainty

Focuses on the creation of uncertainty rather than confusion.

might lead to misunderstandings

Highlights the potential for incorrect interpretations.

could potentially create ambiguity

Emphasizes the lack of clarity that may arise.

might give rise to ambiguity

Similar to creating ambiguity, but uses a more formal tone.

can cause bewilderment

Suggests a stronger sense of confusion, bordering on perplexity.

could result in disorientation

Implies a loss of direction or understanding.

might stir up doubt

Focuses on creating a state of doubt or skepticism.

can be a source of puzzlement

Highlights the perplexing nature of something.

could beget perplexity

A more formal and less common way of saying 'cause confusion'.

might obfuscate understanding

Emphasizes the act of making something unclear or obscure.

FAQs

How can I use "may raise confusion" in a sentence?

Use "may raise confusion" to indicate that something has the potential to cause uncertainty or misunderstanding. For example, "The poorly worded instructions "may raise confusion" among users".

What are some alternatives to "may raise confusion"?

Alternatives include "could generate uncertainty", "might lead to misunderstandings", or "could potentially create ambiguity", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "may cause confusion" or "may raise confusion"?

Both "may cause confusion" and "may raise confusion" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, though "may cause confusion" is slightly more common.

What's the difference between "may raise confusion" and "will raise confusion"?

"May raise confusion" suggests a possibility or likelihood, while "will raise confusion" indicates a higher degree of certainty. Use ""may raise confusion"" when the outcome is uncertain, and "will raise confusion" when it is more predictable.