perplexed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perplexed with" is not commonly used in written English; "perplexed by" is the correct form.
You can use it when expressing confusion or bewilderment caused by something. Example: "She was perplexed by the complex instructions given for the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I'm perplexed with all that stuff," Valentine said of the warning, not the first issued to a Mets pitcher this year.

The New York Times - Sports

At the constitutional convention in Philadelphia in 1787, the men who framed the federal government made a great many compromises, but "the Convention were perplexed with no part of this plan so much as with the mode of choosing the President," as the Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson later explained.

The New Yorker

Buyers find themselves perplexed with the plethora of offerings.

TechCrunch

We were left perplexed with no idea on how to improve what was done.

Forbes

It might perhaps have suited those barbarous times when the law of England, like almost every other science, was perplexed with quibbles and Aristotelian distinctions, but it would be shameful to keep it up in these more enlightened days.

University of Chicago

Even so, Rogers wrote that he was "perplexed with the melancholy prospect of [his] affairs".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

What is perplexing with Davutoglu's remarks is that if Turkey is determined to fight ISIS and eradicate the group, why choose Aleppo as a target rather than the caliphate capital, Raqqa?

Huffington Post

His most recent work, The Buried Giant, perplexed many with its rewriting of the rules of fantasy fiction.

The Guardian - Books

Her damehood pleased her, though it also perplexed her; with her stringy hair and liking for bare feet, she hardly played the part.No superfluous wordThe books were not runaway bestsellers.

The Economist

Starting from the premise that consciousness, in the sense of cognitive awareness, always should be consciousness of something, Ortega and modern thinkers have perplexed themselves with such questions as what is consciousness in itself and how it is related to the thing, or the facts, which are its objects.

SEP

Then there's his beautifully perplexed ongoing dialogue with a telemarketer working for Ferrero Rocher.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "perplexed with" appears in some publications, consider using the more widely accepted phrase "perplexed by" to avoid potential grammatical critiques and ensure clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "perplexed with" in formal writing. The correct and more accepted form is "perplexed by". For example, say "I was perplexed by the results" instead of "I was perplexed with the results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perplexed with" functions as a predicate adjective describing a state of confusion, followed by a preposition indicating the cause. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's not a standard usage, as the correct form is "perplexed by".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "perplexed with" appears in various sources, it's considered grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI suggests that "perplexed by" is the standard and more accepted form. When writing, especially in formal contexts, it's best to opt for "perplexed by" or similar alternatives like "confounded by", "baffled by", or "puzzled by" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Although it's relatively common, prioritizing grammatical correctness will enhance the credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perplexed by

Uses the more standard preposition "by" to indicate the cause of perplexity.

confounded by

Indicates a state of being bewildered or confused by something.

baffled by

Implies being puzzled or stumped by something difficult to understand.

bewildered by

Suggests a state of being utterly confused and disoriented.

puzzled by

Indicates a mild state of confusion or uncertainty.

at a loss with

Expresses not knowing what to do or how to handle a situation.

struggling with

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or dealing with something.

confused about

Indicates uncertainty or lack of clarity regarding a topic.

mystified by

Suggests being completely unable to explain or understand something.

disoriented by

Expresses a feeling of being lost or confused, often in a broader sense.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "perplexed with"?

While you might find instances of "perplexed with", it is generally considered more grammatically correct to use "perplexed by". The preposition "by" is more commonly used to indicate the cause of confusion or bewilderment.

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

"Perplexed by" is the standard and more widely accepted form. While "perplexed with" exists, it is less common and may be considered grammatically incorrect by some. Using "perplexed by" ensures clarity and avoids potential criticism.

What are some alternatives to "perplexed with"?

Instead of "perplexed with", you can use phrases like "confounded by", "baffled by", or "puzzled by". These alternatives are grammatically sound and convey a similar meaning of confusion or bewilderment.

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

You can use "perplexed by" to describe your reaction to something confusing. For example, "She was perplexed by the sudden change in plans" or "The students were perplexed by the complex equation".