perplex someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perplex someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is confused or puzzled by something. Example: "The complex math problem seemed to perplex everyone in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Considering the complex quantitative nature of the research, the broad range of the MSU statement is perplexing to someone like me, who has studied and taught science communication for over a decade.

Forbes

So they're perplexed when they meet someone who can't.

Los Angeles Times

And never underestimate the simple pleasure the right gets from supporting someone who so perplexes the left.

The New York Times

1938 St. James or St. James's Still an Issue LONDON — Buckingham Palace and diplomatic circles were more than perplexed the other day when someone wanted to know whether the title "Court of St. James's" was still good usage, or whether that apostrophe and extra "s" had been dropped to avoid needless confusion.

The New York Times

Other times it leaves you so overwhelmed by ridiculousness that you're reduced to silence, mouth gaping open as you look around for someone equally as perplexed.

Vice

"It's really perplexing to me to contemplate someone not doing everything they could to foil a plot that would result in murdering innocent Americans," Palin said in the interview that was published Wednesday.

Huffington Post

But it was Bush's choice that was most unexpected and left many viewers of the debate perplexed as to why he picked someone who was not American.

Independent

He finds crowds unnerving, conversation perplexing, and is unable to "read" emotion on someone's face.

Independent

"What if someone does graffiti?" "Great!" But he was perplexed, he said, when someone asked if the video projection would damage the train supports.

The New York Times

Particularly perplexing to my kids was the concept of staying in someone else's house through Airbnb.

Huffington Post

The whole thing had seemed perplexing to me: if I'd wanted to connect with someone, I'd pick up the phone or shoot off an email.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perplex someone" when you want to convey that a person is not just confused, but also slightly puzzled or bewildered by something. The word choice adds a subtle layer of intellectual challenge to the confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "perplex someone" when a simpler word like "confuse someone" would suffice. Overusing "perplex" in straightforward situations can make your writing sound pretentious. Reserve it for instances where the confusion arises from complexity or obscurity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perplex someone" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "perplex" is the verb indicating the action of confusing someone, and "someone" is the direct object receiving that action. Ludwig provides examples where "perplex" is used to describe a state of confusion or bewilderment.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perplex someone" is grammatically correct and used to indicate that someone is confused or bewildered. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity. Although no direct examples were found, it's understood as a transitive verb phrase where "perplex" acts upon "someone". While "perplex" may be slightly more formal than "confuse", the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. If a simpler term like "confuse" would suffice, avoid using "perplex" which might be seen as over-formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baffle someone

Replaces "perplex" with "baffle", suggesting a stronger sense of being thwarted or confused.

confuse someone

A more general term for causing someone to feel unclear or uncertain.

bewilder someone

Implies a state of being completely puzzled or disoriented.

mystify someone

Suggests that something is inexplicable or beyond understanding.

puzzle someone

Indicates a milder form of confusion, as if facing a riddle.

leave someone stumped

An idiom suggesting someone is unable to find an answer or solution.

flummox someone

To confuse someone greatly; bewilder.

throw someone for a loop

An idiom indicating surprise and confusion.

leave someone scratching their head

An idiom indicating confusion or pondering.

be a mystery to someone

Shifts the focus to the subject being mysterious rather than actively confusing.

FAQs

How can I use "perplex someone" in a sentence?

Use "perplex someone" to describe a situation where something causes confusion or bewilderment. For example, "The complex instructions seemed to perplex everyone in the room."

What can I say instead of "perplex someone"?

You can use alternatives like "confuse someone", "baffle someone", or "puzzle someone" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "perplex someone" or "confuse someone"?

"Perplex someone" implies a deeper level of bewilderment compared to the more general term "confuse someone". Choose the word that most accurately reflects the degree of confusion you want to convey.

What's the nuance between "perplex someone" and "mystify someone"?

"Perplex someone" suggests confusion caused by complexity, while "mystify someone" suggests confusion caused by something being inexplicable or beyond understanding. The choice depends on the source of the confusion.