puzzling to me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "puzzling to me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or a lack of understanding about something. Example: "The sudden change in policy is quite puzzling to me, and I would like further clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's puzzling to me that we can't.

The Washington Post

As a journalist, it's very puzzling to me.

The New Yorker

A current Jetta commercial is very puzzling to me.

The New York Times

"It's puzzling to me that anyone would take that away".

The New York Times

The whole thing is really puzzling to me".

The New York Times

But these things about genre are always puzzling to me.

The New Yorker

"It's just puzzling to me that the young people would think that way.

The New York Times

It's puzzling to me, because I don't think any citizens experience politics without mediation.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the question that's interesting to me and puzzling to me is: what is the value of it?

Harvard Business Review

He was puzzling to me for some reason, and I was trying to get rid of him,' " Ms. Lee said.

The New York Times

So then it becomes, 'You wanted my performance to be different, but you also didn't think it was a performance?' That's puzzling to me".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "puzzling to me", ensure the context clearly indicates what you find confusing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your communication.

Common error

While "puzzling to me" is generally acceptable, it can sound less formal than alternatives like "perplexing" or "unclear" in academic or professional writing. Choose your words carefully based on the intended audience and tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "puzzling to me" functions as a subjective expression of bewilderment or lack of understanding. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is commonly used to convey personal confusion regarding a particular situation or concept. The phrase acts as a declarative statement indicating the speaker's state of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "puzzling to me" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a personal sense of confusion or lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability across various contexts, though more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional writing. It functions as a subjective statement, often inviting further explanation. While predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Academic and Scientific sources. Related phrases include "confusing to me" and "baffling to me", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I find it puzzling

A more direct way of stating the same sentiment, suitable for slightly less formal contexts.

confusing to me

Focuses specifically on the confusion caused, rather than a general sense of being puzzled.

baffling to me

Implies a stronger sense of being perplexed and unable to understand.

perplexing to me

Similar to 'baffling' but can also suggest a more intricate or complex source of confusion.

mystifying to me

Suggests an element of mystery or inexplicability.

I'm bewildered by

Highlights a feeling of being deeply confused and disoriented.

unfathomable to me

Emphasizes the depth of the inability to understand something.

incomprehensible to me

Highlights the lack of comprehensibility, implying that something cannot be understood.

it's beyond my comprehension

Focuses on the limits of one's understanding.

I'm at a loss to explain

Expresses an inability to provide an explanation due to confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "puzzling to me" in a sentence?

You can use "puzzling to me" to express confusion or lack of understanding about something. For example, "It's "puzzling to me" why they made that decision."

What are some alternatives to "puzzling to me"?

Alternatives include "confusing to me", "baffling to me", or "mystifying to me", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "puzzling to me" formal or informal?

"Puzzling to me" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. Context matters.

What's the difference between "puzzling to me" and "confusing to me"?

While both express a lack of understanding, ""puzzling to me"" suggests a more general sense of being perplexed, while ""confusing to me"" specifically emphasizes the feeling of being disoriented or unclear.