plainly baffled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly baffled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is clearly confused or perplexed by a situation or information. Example: "After hearing the complicated explanation, she was plainly baffled and needed further clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was plainly blindsided by the speed with which Akin came to dominate the Presidential campaign, and he seemed baffled that he couldn't contain the damage.

The New Yorker

"Absolutely baffled.

The New York Times - Sports

Baffled colleges consulted baffled lawyers.

The New York Times

Still baffled by bacteria?

Columbia University

a baffled scientist.

Harvard University

Scientists were baffled.

University of California, Berkeley

Ms. Benner was baffled.

The New York Times

Aid workers were baffled.

The Economist

This baffled me.

The New York Times

They were baffled, too.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm really baffled".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plainly baffled" to describe a state of clear and obvious confusion, ensuring the context supports this level of explicitness.

Common error

Avoid using "plainly baffled" when a milder expression of confusion would be more appropriate. Reserve it for situations where the bewilderment is genuinely evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly baffled" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a subject to describe their state. It indicates a clear and evident state of confusion or perplexity. The word 'plainly' amplifies the adjective 'baffled', indicating that the feeling is easily discernible.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plainly baffled" combines an adverb and adjective to describe a state of obvious confusion. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct, although its usage is relatively rare. It serves to clearly communicate someone's state of perplexity, fitting within a neutral register suitable for news, academic, and general writing. While alternatives like "clearly confused" or "obviously perplexed" exist, "plainly baffled" offers a direct way to express evident bewilderment. Consider the context to ensure its level of explicitness is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clearly confused

Emphasizes the clarity of the confusion.

Obviously perplexed

Highlights the evident nature of the perplexity.

Visibly puzzled

Focuses on the visible signs of being puzzled.

Patently bewildered

Stresses the undeniable nature of the bewilderment, more formal.

Undeniably perplexed

Emphasizes the indisputable nature of the perplexity.

Evidently disoriented

Highlights the obvious state of disorientation.

Plainly dumbfounded

Highlights how someone can be plainly shocked.

Openly confused

Highlights how the confusion is not hidden.

In a state of bewilderment

Describes the condition of being bewildered, more descriptive.

At a loss for words

Conveys a sense of being unable to speak due to confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "plainly baffled" in a sentence?

You can use "plainly baffled" to describe someone's clear confusion, such as, "After hearing the complicated explanation, she was "plainly baffled" and needed further clarification."

What are some alternatives to "plainly baffled"?

Some alternatives include "clearly confused", "obviously perplexed", or "visibly puzzled", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "plainly baffled" or "obviously baffled"?

Both "plainly baffled" and "obviously baffled" are acceptable, but "plainly baffled" suggests a more straightforward and less judgmental observation of the confusion.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "plainly baffled"?

Use "plainly baffled" in situations where someone's confusion is easily observable and you want to emphasize the clarity of their bewilderment.