mutually bewildered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutually bewildered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties are equally confused or perplexed by something. Example: "After the unexpected turn of events, we were all mutually bewildered, unsure of how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bewildered, bewildering primate.

The New Yorker

"The Iraqis were bewildered.

The Washington Post

Outsiders are bewildered.

The Economist

"What?" she asked, bewildered.

The New York Times

Ramsay stared, bewildered.

The New Yorker

She frowned, bewildered.

The New Yorker

We were bewildered.

The New York Times - Books

I was totally bewildered.

The New York Times

Halleck was genuinely bewildered.

The New York Times

Ginsburg was bewildered.

The New Yorker

She was totally bewildered.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mutually bewildered" to precisely describe situations where two or more entities experience the same level of confusion simultaneously. It adds a nuance of shared experience that single-sided confusion lacks.

Common error

Avoid using "mutually bewildered" if only one party is confused. "Mutually" implies a shared or reciprocal experience. Instead, opt for "bewildered" to describe a single person's confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutually bewildered" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (usually a person or group of people). It describes a state of shared confusion or perplexity, implying that multiple parties experience the same feeling of bewilderment.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutually bewildered" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a shared state of confusion. Although Ludwig AI validates its correctness, it has limited examples, so its frequency is considered "missing". It serves to convey that multiple parties are simultaneously experiencing a similar lack of understanding, and the most appropriate situations will be where the shared feeling is the one trying to be expressed. Related phrases, like "equally perplexed", can offer alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. When using "mutually bewildered", ensure that genuine shared confusion is what is being described, since 'mutually' implies a shared or reciprocal experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally perplexed

Replaces "bewildered" with "perplexed" to denote confusion, while retaining the sense of both parties experiencing it.

similarly confused

Substitutes "bewildered" with "confused", emphasizing a parallel state of misunderstanding.

both puzzled

Uses "puzzled" instead of "bewildered" to highlight the perplexing nature of the situation for both parties.

mutually mystified

Uses "mystified" instead of "bewildered" to impart a sense of mystery or bewilderment.

in shared confusion

Emphasizes the state of confusion being experienced jointly by multiple parties, not necessarily mutually induced.

in mutual incomprehension

Highlights the lack of understanding between the parties, shifting focus from emotional state to a cognitive one.

collectively baffled

Replaces the individual experience with a group experience of being baffled.

sharing a sense of bewilderment

More descriptive, emphasizing the shared nature of the feeling.

both at a loss

Indicates that both parties are uncertain or unable to comprehend something, moving away from explicit confusion.

equally disoriented

Conveys a sense of being lost or confused, rather than explicitly stating bewilderment.

FAQs

How can I use "mutually bewildered" in a sentence?

You can use "mutually bewildered" to describe a situation where two or more people are equally confused by something. For example: "After the unexpected turn of events, they were "mutually bewildered", unsure of how to proceed."

What can I say instead of "mutually bewildered"?

You can use alternatives like "equally perplexed", "similarly confused", or "both puzzled" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "mutually bewildered", or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "mutually bewildered" is correct and understandable. The best phrase depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. If you are looking for alternatives, consider "equally perplexed" or "in shared confusion".

What's the difference between "mutually bewildered" and "generally confused"?

"Mutually bewildered" indicates that two or more parties share a feeling of bewilderment. "Generally confused" implies a more widespread state of confusion, possibly affecting a large group or population without necessarily indicating that all parties involved are confused to the same degree.