puzzling answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "puzzling answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is confusing or difficult to understand. Example: "After reviewing the results, I received a puzzling answer that left me with more questions than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This was a puzzling answer from a man who had a courtside view in Phoenix of the Steve Nash wizardry that earned him consecutive Most Valuable Player awards.

The New York Times - Sports

Axelrod gives a puzzling answer: "Well, I think the president is responsible for everything that happens on his watch.

Huffington Post

Kelly Craft gave a puzzling answer when asked about her position on climate change this week, saying she believes "both sides" — scientists who say humans are causing global warming and those who deny it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But they also result in puzzling answers to relatively simple questions.

The New York Times

But Mr. Daniels, who was enlisted by the roommate to help in the killing, gave puzzling answers today to other questions about the case, at one point contradicting earlier testimony by the other confessed killer and at another, contradicting himself.

The New York Times

While you're puzzling over the answer, let me tell you how I just saw it save a life here in West Africa.

The New York Times

But many hope it will help to answer the puzzling question at the centre of the attack: why did it happen?

The Economist

By Jonathan Rosen In his new book about the passenger pigeon, the naturalist Joel Greenberg sets out to answer a puzzling question: How could the bird go from a population of billions to zero in less than fifty years?

The New Yorker

A friend who lives in Maryland tried to browse on her state's site only to find that she had to submit her name and Social Security number and answer a puzzling set of security questions — Where had she lived in third grade?

The New Yorker

A collision could help answer a puzzling question: Why was SN 2006gy shrouded in hydrogen, when massive stars are supposed to lose their hydrogen-rich outer layer before they explode?

Science Magazine

Nor have many of them found it easy to answer the puzzling question raised by the instrumentalist position: how can the intentional idiom make useful predictions if it fails to describe and explain anything real?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "puzzling answer" when you want to convey that a response is not only confusing but also raises questions or seems contradictory based on available information.

Common error

Avoid using "puzzling answer" when the response is merely incorrect or incomplete. The phrase implies a deeper level of bewilderment, suggesting that the answer is unexpectedly confusing or contradictory, rather than simply wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "puzzling answer" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "puzzling" modifies the noun "answer", indicating a response that causes confusion or raises questions. Ludwig AI shows that this expression is grammatically correct and found in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "puzzling answer" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a response that is confusing or difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's found primarily in news and media contexts. While "puzzling answer" is appropriate for formal communication, remember there are other options such as "confusing response" or "perplexing reply". When using the expression, ensure that the confusion is genuine and not simply due to an incorrect answer, but because the answer itself is unexpectedly confusing. Use the examples provided by Ludwig to better understand the real usage of "puzzling answer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confusing response

This alternative highlights the confusing nature of the answer.

perplexing reply

This alternative uses a more formal word, 'perplexing', to describe the answer.

baffling response

This alternative emphasizes the bewilderment caused by the answer.

enigmatic answer

This suggests that the answer is mysterious and difficult to interpret.

incomprehensible reply

This indicates that the answer is impossible to understand.

unclear response

A more direct way of saying that the answer lacks clarity.

obscure answer

Suggests the answer is hidden or not easily discovered.

ambiguous response

This indicates the answer has multiple possible interpretations.

vague reply

This suggests the answer is not precise or detailed.

questionable answer

This highlights the dubious or uncertain nature of the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "puzzling answer" in a sentence?

You can use "puzzling answer" to describe a response that is confusing or difficult to understand, such as, "After reviewing the data, I received a "puzzling answer" that left me with more questions than before."

What's a good substitute for "puzzling answer"?

Alternatives include "confusing response", "perplexing reply", or "baffling response", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "puzzling answer" in formal writing?

Yes, "puzzling answer" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly formal, it accurately conveys confusion and is suitable for professional and academic contexts.

What distinguishes a "puzzling answer" from an "incorrect answer"?

A "puzzling answer" isn't necessarily incorrect but is confusing or difficult to understand, possibly due to ambiguity or contradiction. An incorrect answer is simply wrong.