more perplexed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more perplexed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state of confusion or bewilderment that has increased in intensity. Example: "After hearing the conflicting reports, I found myself even more perplexed about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This left her feeling even more perplexed.

The New Yorker

cried Alice, looking more perplexed than ever.

The Guardian

Her grandmother, who had grown up in Berlin after World War II, was even more perplexed.

Princeton University

"Is Joe Vice cool or not cool?" Mooney asks, rhetorically (and sounding more perplexed than worried).

The Washington Post

Instead, there was no resolution, and everyone connected to the team grew more perplexed.

The New York Times - Sports

They are even more perplexed when they learn of South Korea's economic achievements.

The Guardian

SK Telecom defended the purchase using a rationale that left some corporate critics even more perplexed.

The New York Times

But the questions surrounding the organization have left local residents more perplexed.

The New York Times

In more than 20 years of acquaintance, I don't think I have ever seen him look more perplexed or burdened.

The Guardian - Opinion

I suppose I'd be even more perplexed if the Lonely Planet had plumped for somewhere down south.

The Guardian - Travel

After saying several times in a strong Latino accent, "I don't understand," the counterman looked even more perplexed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more perplexed" when you want to emphasize an increase in confusion or bewilderment. It suggests a deeper level of incomprehension than simply "perplexed".

Common error

Avoid using "more perplexed" when a simpler term like "confused" or "puzzled" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more perplexed" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a higher degree of perplexity or confusion compared to a previous state or another subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more perplexed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a heightened state of confusion or bewilderment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It's commonly found in news articles and academic texts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, be mindful of the intensity you wish to convey and use simpler alternatives if a more direct expression is needed. Remember that "more perplexed" denotes an increase in confusion, distinguishing it from simply being "perplexed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more confused

A straightforward synonym focusing on a lack of clarity.

more baffled

Emphasizes a sense of being thwarted or frustrated by incomprehension.

more bewildered

Highlights a state of complete disorientation and confusion.

even more puzzled

Adds emphasis to the feeling of being confused.

increasingly puzzled

Focuses on the progressive nature of the confusion.

growing more confused

Similar to 'increasingly puzzled' but with a slightly different nuance.

more mystified

Suggests a sense of wonder and intrigue in addition to confusion.

at a greater loss

Implies not knowing what to think or do due to confusion.

more at sea

An idiomatic expression suggesting a feeling of being lost and uncertain.

further disoriented

Implies a loss of bearings and understanding, taken to another level.

FAQs

How to use "more perplexed" in a sentence?

You can use "more perplexed" to describe a state of increasing confusion, such as, "After hearing the conflicting reports, I became "more perplexed" about the situation." It's important to choose the right word based on the emotion you want to give.

What can I say instead of "more perplexed"?

You can use alternatives like "more confused", "more baffled", or "more bewildered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "more perplexed" or "most perplexed"?

"More perplexed" is used for comparison (becoming increasingly confused), while "most perplexed" is used to indicate the highest degree of confusion. For example, “Of all the students, he seemed "most perplexed" by the lecture”.

What's the difference between "more perplexed" and "confused"?

"Confused" generally means lacking clarity or understanding. "More perplexed" implies a greater degree of bewilderment, often suggesting a deeper or more complicated lack of understanding. It reflects a stronger state of mental uncertainty.