perplexed about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perplexed about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or uncertainty regarding a specific topic or situation. Example: "She was perplexed about the sudden changes in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He's perplexed about it.

The New York Times

Jeter seemed perplexed about The Post cover.

The New York Times - Sports

Are you perplexed about the path to citizenship?

The New York Times

"I'm just perplexed about which way to use my talents.

The New York Times - Sports

Oliwa sounded a bit perplexed about his role.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm perplexed about how this conversation is now supposed to work," Art Garfunkel said.

The New York Times

One video, called "Bank," depicts a customer perplexed about fees on his account.

The New York Times

Collins and Gee said they were perplexed about his struggles this year.

The New York Times - Sports

If some people out there are perplexed, I'm probably perplexed about their perplexions".

The New York Times - Sports

There is an issue when even the players are perplexed about personnel and tactics.

The Guardian - Sport

Colonel Reilly, 41, said he was deeply perplexed about the enemy's identity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perplexed about" when you want to convey a sense of confusion that stems from complexity or conflicting information. For simpler situations, "confused about" might suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "perplexed about" in overly simple scenarios. Using it for basic misunderstandings can sound unnatural. Reserve it for situations where genuine complexity or conflicting information creates confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perplexed about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a state of confusion or bewilderment regarding a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

20%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perplexed about" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express confusion or bewilderment regarding a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "baffled by" or "confused about" exist, "perplexed about" often implies a deeper level of confusion stemming from complexity. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and formality. Overusing it in simple situations may sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baffled by

Focuses on being confused or puzzled by something.

mystified by

Implies a sense of mystery and difficulty in understanding.

confused regarding

A more formal way of expressing a lack of clarity about something.

at a loss to understand

Emphasizes the inability to comprehend a situation.

bewildered by

Suggests a state of disorientation and confusion.

puzzled concerning

Indicates a mild form of confusion or curiosity.

unable to fathom

Highlights the depth of the difficulty in understanding.

clueless about

An informal way to say someone has no understanding or knowledge.

disoriented regarding

Similar to bewildered, focusing on a loss of direction in understanding.

unclear on

A more direct and simple way to express a lack of understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "perplexed about" to describe a state of confusion or uncertainty regarding a specific topic. For example, "She was perplexed about the sudden changes in the project timeline".

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

"Perplexed about" often implies a deeper level of bewilderment due to complexity, whereas "confused about" can refer to simpler misunderstandings.

What can I say instead of "perplexed about"?

You can use alternatives like "baffled by", "mystified by", or "confused regarding" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "perplexed about" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience. In some formal contexts, "unsure about" or "uncertain regarding" might be perceived as more suitable, depending on the specific tone you're aiming for.