perplexing response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perplexing response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reply or answer that is confusing or difficult to understand. Example: "After hearing his perplexing response to the question, I was left wondering what he really meant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gov. Kay Ivey, one of just four women currently serving as governors, issued a perplexing response Tuesday to her Democratic challenger's request to debate.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The woman who inspired this perplexing array of responses was born into a prosperous and loving -- if also demanding and possessive -- family of secular Parisian Jews.

The New York Times - Books

Although the etiology of IPF remains perplexing, abnormal adaptive immune responses are evident in many afflicted patients.

Plosone

I write in response to the perplexing contradictions in the column by Albert Hunt ("Democrats fail to wipe slate clean," Letter from Washington, Nov. 8) and your editorial "A new leader" (Nov. 9); both articles are about the speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.

The New York Times

But it was our readers' reaction that was most perplexing.

The Guardian

But Chivers, with plenty of self-doubting humor, told me that she hopes one day to develop a scientifically supported model to explain female sexual response, though she wrestles, for the moment, with the preliminary bits of perplexing evidence she has collected — with the question, first, of why women are aroused physiologically by such a wider range of stimuli than men.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet the most perplexing element within these attractive attributes of AAT is quite pivotal: AAT does not directly influence T cell responses.

BioMed Research International

What's most perplexing to mob experts and may be the dead giveaway in revealing this phantom group of aggressors, is the lack of response from the Rizzuto clan.

Vice

I find it perplexing".

Independent

"That was somewhat perplexing".

The New York Times

A perplexing court indeed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perplexing response" when you want to emphasize that a response is not only confusing but also causes a sense of bewilderment or being stumped.

Common error

While "perplexing response" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "unclear response" or "incomprehensible answer" in academic or business settings to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perplexing response" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'perplexing' modifies 'response'. It describes the quality of the response, indicating that it is confusing or difficult to understand. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perplexing response" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich way to describe a reply that causes confusion and bafflement. While relatively rare, as shown by Ludwig, its usage is correct and primarily found in neutral contexts such as news and media. When aiming for clarity and avoiding potential misunderstandings, consider using this phrase to convey the puzzling nature of a response, or explore alternatives like "confusing answer" or "bewildering reply" depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides valuable context for its effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Confusing answer

Focuses on the confusing nature of the answer itself.

Bewildering reply

Emphasizes the reply's capacity to cause confusion.

Incomprehensible reaction

Highlights that the reaction is impossible to understand.

Mystifying answer

Stresses the mysterious nature of the answer.

Puzzling retort

Focuses on the retort being a puzzle.

Unintelligible answer

Highlights the lack of clarity in the answer.

Obscure response

Emphasizes the hidden or unclear nature of the response.

Vague reply

Highlights the lack of detail in the reply.

Ambiguous response

Emphasizes that the response can have multiple interpretations.

Cryptic answer

Highlights the hidden meaning within the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "perplexing response" in a sentence?

You can use "perplexing response" to describe an answer or reaction that is confusing or difficult to understand. For example: "The politician's "perplexing response" to the question raised more concerns than it addressed."

What are some alternatives to "perplexing response"?

Alternatives include "confusing answer", "bewildering reply", or "mystifying answer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a response "perplexing"?

A response is "perplexing" when it's not just unclear, but also causes a sense of confusion and difficulty in understanding its meaning or intention. It goes beyond simple lack of clarity and suggests a puzzling or baffling quality.

Is "perplexing response" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "perplexing response" might be perceived as slightly informal in some contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "unclear response" or "incomprehensible answer" to maintain a more professional tone.