more perplexing than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more perplexing than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of confusion or complexity of one thing to another. Example: "The plot of the movie was more perplexing than I had anticipated, leaving me with more questions than answers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Derivatives are far more perplexing than what ails Detroit.

The New York Times

What follows, however, is rather more playful – and ultimately more perplexing than this might suggest.

The Guardian - Books

As for the two finds he stumbles across, they prove to be more perplexing than helpful.

The New York Times - Books

Why are the decisions regarding the serving of fish more perplexing than those for land-based protein?

Harvard University

"I would say I find the situation (about being barred from the Slimane show) more perplexing than upsetting," Mr. Emmrich said.

The New York Times

Perhaps no shot was more perplexing than Patrice Bergeron's goal that tied the score at 4-4 early in the third period.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Yet too many companies continue to produce unjustifiably complicated designs with opaque instructions that render them more perplexing, rather than less so.

The New York Times - Arts

It's been much more perplexing to me than where the lamestream media has wanted to go about my personal life.

The New York Times - Magazine

And in the Dziga-Vertov film of 1971 called "Vladimir and Rosa," about the Chicago Seven, with its intentionally only half-intelligible conversation between Godard and Gorin pacing up and down on either side of a tennis net, Godard seems to be posing a notion still more perplexing to him than anything in Descartes.

The New Yorker

Her prettiness can be a liability, but more often it's an asset: It helps them get rides, and to many drivers, who often go to extraordinary lengths to help her and Villarino, she's even more perplexing and intriguing than he is — a female hitchhiker?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Just as perplexing, maybe more perplexing, is why they are good".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more perplexing than" when you want to compare two things in terms of how confusing or difficult to understand they are. Ensure that the comparison is clear and that both subjects being compared are well-defined for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "more perplexing than" when a simpler, more direct comparison would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear. Consider alternatives like "more confusing" or "less straightforward" for basic comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more perplexing than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a noun by comparing its level of perplexity to that of another noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct. Many examples provided showcase how various sources employ the phrase for this purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more perplexing than" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase that serves to highlight a greater degree of confusion or complexity when comparing two subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is acceptable for use. It appears frequently in news and media sources, and to a lesser extent, in academic contexts. While useful, it's important to avoid overusing this phrase in simple contexts, opting for simpler comparisons when appropriate. Related phrases like "more confusing than" or "less clear than" offer viable alternatives to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more confusing than

Replaces "perplexing" with a more common synonym, focusing on the lack of clarity.

more baffling than

Emphasizes the inability to understand, suggesting a greater level of mystery.

more puzzling than

Highlights the challenge of finding a solution or understanding.

more mysterious than

Implies a sense of intrigue and the unknown, rather than simple confusion.

less clear than

Focuses on the absence of clarity, offering a slightly different perspective.

more intricate than

Suggests complexity and detail, leading to difficulty in comprehension.

more obscure than

Implies a lack of accessibility or understanding due to hidden or vague elements.

more enigmatic than

Highlights the mysterious and puzzling nature of something.

harder to fathom than

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or comprehending something.

beyond my comprehension

Indicates a complete inability to understand something.

FAQs

What does "more perplexing than" mean?

The phrase "more perplexing than" means that something is more confusing, complicated, or difficult to understand compared to something else. It highlights a relative difference in the level of bewilderment or puzzle it causes.

How can I use "more perplexing than" in a sentence?

You can use "more perplexing than" to compare two different subjects, emphasizing the greater level of confusion associated with one of them. For example: "The new tax law is "more perplexing than" the previous one.".

What are some alternatives to "more perplexing than"?

Some alternatives to "more perplexing than" include "more confusing than", "more baffling than", "more puzzling than", or "less clear than". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more perplexed than" instead of "more perplexing than"?

While "perplexed" and "perplexing" are related, they have different meanings. "Perplexed" describes a state of being confused, whereas "perplexing" describes something that causes confusion. Therefore, "more perplexed than" would mean 'more confused than', while "more perplexing than" means 'causing more confusion than'. Consider alternatives in the related phrases.