perplexed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perplexed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or bewilderment about a particular situation or subject. Example: "She was perplexed by the complex instructions given for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She was perplexed by the question.

The New Yorker

But evolutionists, too, were perplexed by them.

The New Yorker

I am perplexed by the board's actions.

The New York Times

"Most of us are perplexed by this".

The Guardian

Others seemed perplexed by the international outrage.

The New York Times

"I'm perplexed by you," she says.

The New York Times - Arts

Many close observers are perplexed by America's policy in Haiti.

The New Yorker

She was perplexed by the news of the complaint.

The New York Times

The Archbishop was perplexed by his own state of mind.

The New Yorker

At least one onlooker seemed perplexed by the fuss.

The New York Times

Here was Woods, the sport's golden child, perplexed by fate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perplexed by", ensure the subject causing the confusion is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "I am perplexed", specify "I am perplexed by the results".

Common error

Avoid using "perplexed by" in situations where simpler terms like "confused" or "puzzled" suffice. Overusing sophisticated vocabulary can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious. Instead use "confused by" or "puzzled by" in such context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perplexed by" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perplexed by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express confusion or bewilderment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media, science and encyclopedic contexts, and exhibits a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's best used when a simpler term like "confused" may not suffice. Remember to clearly identify the subject causing the perplexity for clarity. Alternatives like "baffled by" or "mystified by" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baffled by

Indicates a state of being confused or puzzled, very close in meaning to "perplexed by".

confounded by

Suggests a higher degree of confusion, almost bewilderment, compared to "perplexed by".

puzzled by

Implies a mild state of confusion or curiosity; a softer version of "perplexed by".

mystified by

Highlights the mysterious or inexplicable nature of what's causing the confusion, similar to "perplexed by".

bewildered by

Emphasizes a sense of being lost or disoriented in addition to being confused, akin to "perplexed by".

at a loss to understand

This phrase conveys a more active struggle to comprehend something, unlike the passive state of being "perplexed by".

unable to fathom

Implies a deep inability to grasp the meaning or significance of something, suggesting greater incomprehension than "perplexed by".

completely lost on

Indicates a total lack of understanding; the subject is entirely incomprehensible.

struggling to comprehend

Focuses on the effort being made to understand, unlike the more static state of being "perplexed by".

finding it hard to grasp

Highlights the difficulty in understanding a concept, which is a more active description than being "perplexed by".

FAQs

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

You can use "perplexed by" to express confusion or bewilderment about something. For example, "She was perplexed by the sudden change in plans".

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

"Perplexed by" often implies a deeper level of confusion or mystification than "confused by". While both express a lack of understanding, "perplexed" suggests that the subject is more complex or puzzling.

Are there any synonyms for "perplexed by" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "baffled by", "puzzled by", or "mystified by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am perplexing by this" instead of "I am perplexed by this"?

No, "I am perplexing by this" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I am perplexed by this", where "perplexed" is used as an adjective to describe your state of mind.