state of bewilderment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of bewilderment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in situations where you want to describe a feeling of confusion or lack of understanding. For example: "The crowd was in a state of bewilderment as they watched the magician perform impossible feats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"The institutions are in a state of bewilderment.

The New York Times

Particularly in Queensland, the state of bewilderment was overwhelming.

The Guardian

India has reduced the beast of Bentonville to a state of bewilderment.

The Economist

It was later extended to mean any state of bewilderment or confusion.

Britannica

The vote left the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe and the world behind in a state of bewilderment.

The Washington Post

The goal of this manipulation, Curtis suggests, is to spread a state of bewilderment and powerlessness across the globe.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It reflects a radical transition, a state of complete bewilderment.

The New Yorker

I wandered through this sexual Disneyland in a state of mingled bewilderment and arousal.

The Guardian

But I wandered among the vitrines in a state of utter bewilderment, since the show included almost no explanatory text.

The New York Times - Magazine

By half-time they had trebled their lead with some wonderful, fluent attacking movement leaving Benitez's Napoli in a state of forlorn bewilderment.

The Guardian - Sport

Events in the United Kingdom, in the past week, have been so remarkable that onlookers from afar could be forgiven for having slumped into a state of boneless bewilderment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state of bewilderment" to describe a situation or feeling where someone is deeply confused and disoriented, often by something unexpected or complex.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "state of bewilderment" to depict confusion. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "utter confusion" or "sense of disorientation" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of bewilderment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a condition or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state of bewilderment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a condition of profound confusion or disorientation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common application across a range of sources, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to consider contextual nuances and explore synonyms like "utter confusion" or "sense of disorientation" for richer expression. Avoid overuse and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intensity of the confusion experienced. With diverse usage examples and clear guidance, "state of bewilderment" can effectively communicate complex emotional and cognitive states in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of disorientation

Highlights the feeling of being lost or unclear about one's surroundings or situation.

utter confusion

Emphasizes the completeness and totality of the confusion experienced.

condition of perplexity

Emphasizes intellectual confusion rather than a general sense of being lost or disoriented.

total disorientation

Focuses on the complete loss of bearings, either physical or mental.

realm of confusion

Suggests a broader, more encompassing sense of being overwhelmed by confusion.

complete mystification

Highlights a total inability to understand something, often with a sense of wonder.

moment of bafflement

Focuses on a specific, brief instance of being confused or puzzled.

feeling of mystification

Suggests a deeper sense of being puzzled or intrigued by something inexplicable.

period of bafflement

Indicates a sustained duration of confusion or inability to understand.

air of perplexity

Describes an atmosphere or surrounding feeling characterized by confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "state of bewilderment" in a sentence?

You can use "state of bewilderment" to describe someone's condition when they are deeply confused or disoriented. For example: "The complex instructions left him in a "state of bewilderment".

What can I say instead of "state of bewilderment"?

You can use alternatives like "utter confusion", "sense of disorientation", or "complete mystification" depending on the specific context.

Is "state of bewilderment" formal or informal?

"State of bewilderment" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase suitable for various writing contexts. It's neither overly technical nor too casual.

What is the difference between "state of confusion" and "state of bewilderment"?

"State of confusion" is a more general term indicating a lack of clarity or understanding. "State of bewilderment" implies a deeper level of perplexity and disorientation, often caused by something unexpected or complex. While similar, "state of bewilderment" suggests a more profound sense of being lost.