mutually perplexed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutually perplexed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties are confused or puzzled by each other's actions or statements. Example: "After the meeting, both teams were mutually perplexed by the lack of clarity in the project requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I recall quite a few mutually perplexed meetings with Salmond, who always seemed to have wheels-within-wheels whirring away behind his bonhomie.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A long, perplexed pause.

The New Yorker

"I was very perplexed...

The Washington Post

Also, he felt extremely perplexed.

The New Yorker

It left me perplexed".

The New York Times

But analysts remained perplexed.

The Guardian - Business

The reaction perplexed Ms. Russell.

The New York Times - Arts

Were you just as perplexed?

The New York Times

Fassel remains perplexed.

The New York Times - Sports

Others seem distressed, disgusted, perplexed.

The New Yorker

Mr. Mutlak himself said he remained perplexed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mutually perplexed", ensure the context clearly establishes that multiple parties are experiencing confusion related to the same situation or information. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "mutually perplexed" when the source of perplexity is internal or individual, rather than stemming from an interaction or shared situation. For instance, instead of saying "They were mutually perplexed by their own thoughts", consider alternatives like "They were both perplexed by their own thoughts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutually perplexed" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often a group of people) to indicate that they share a state of confusion or bewilderment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The available examples illustrate this usage in describing reactions to situations or statements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mutually perplexed" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a shared state of confusion. As Ludwig AI points out, it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts, indicating a neutral register. Although not frequently used, its precise meaning and availability of synonyms like "equally baffled" or "jointly bewildered" make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to use it when you want to precisely convey that multiple parties are simultaneously experiencing perplexity regarding the same matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutually bewildered

A direct synonym, replacing "perplexed" with "bewildered" but retaining the core meaning of shared confusion.

both equally perplexed

Adds "equally" for emphasis, highlighting the balanced nature of the confusion.

equally baffled

Replaces "perplexed" with "baffled", emphasizing the feeling of being confused or stumped.

similarly confused

Uses "confused" instead of "perplexed", offering a more common and easily understood term.

jointly bewildered

Substitutes "perplexed" with "bewildered", highlighting a sense of disorientation and confusion.

collectively puzzled

Replaces "perplexed" with "puzzled", suggesting a state of mild confusion or uncertainty shared by a group.

each as confused as the other

Expresses mutual confusion in a more descriptive and less formal way.

in mutual bewilderment

Rephrases the concept using "bewilderment" as a noun, altering the grammatical structure.

shared perplexity

Emphasizes the sharing of the state of perplexity, focusing on the common experience.

reciprocally confused

A more formal and less common way to express mutual confusion, using "reciprocally".

FAQs

What does "mutually perplexed" mean?

The phrase "mutually perplexed" means that two or more people are equally confused or puzzled by something. It indicates a shared state of bewilderment.

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

You can use "mutually perplexed" to describe a situation where multiple people are confused about the same thing. For example: "After the presentation, the team members were "mutually perplexed" by the new strategy."

What are some synonyms for "mutually perplexed"?

Some synonyms for "mutually perplexed" include "equally baffled", "similarly confused", and "jointly bewildered".

Is "mutually perplexed" formal or informal?

"Mutually perplexed" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "similarly confused" might be preferable in very casual settings.