such an enigma

USAGE SUMMARY

'such an enigma' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe or comment on someone or something with an enigmatic nature or quality. Example sentence: "She was such an enigma--no one could ever figure out what she was thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

You're such an enigma".

The New York Times - Magazine

You must have been knackered It's such an enigma.

The Guardian

Hubbard was such an enigma that inferring any kind of motive is tricky.

The Guardian - Books

The character is such an enigma, he felt that someone with a big name couldn't have played her".

The New York Times

Many of Burr's papers are believed to have gone down with her, which may explain why he can be such an enigma.

Princeton University

(This begins with the puzzle about whether Karzai is someone with the same interests as ours actually, that's not such an enigma; he's not).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Surely BSE and the fact that such a scientific enigma could appear so fast and cause such mayhem should give us pause for thought.

EU Parlament

The scattered distribution of the two optical mechanisms2 4 indicates that one type can evolve into the other, but as they are so fundamentally different, it has been an enigma how such evolution could occur.

Nature

To those who have not experienced camp, the immense bliss from such a scenario is but an enigma.

Huffington Post

The physiological and biochemical conditions that promoted such an evolutionary event remain an enigma.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, Kenny keeps such a low profile that he is barely a household name in his own home.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such an enigma" to add depth to your descriptions, especially when portraying characters or situations that defy easy explanation. For example, "Despite his fame, he remained such an enigma, rarely granting interviews or revealing personal details."

Common error

Avoid using "such an enigma" for commonplace mysteries. Reserve it for subjects with genuine complexity or ambiguity. Saying "The missing keys were such an enigma" might sound exaggerated unless there's a truly bizarre explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such an enigma" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to characterize a person, object, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples from diverse sources showing its consistent use in this manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "such an enigma" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something mysterious or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent appearance in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, showcasing its versatility across various contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, exercise caution against overuse in simplistic situations. Alternatives like "a complete mystery" or "an inscrutable person" can provide stylistic variation. Ultimately, "such an enigma" is a valuable tool for adding depth and intrigue to your writing, provided it is wielded with precision and awareness of its connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete mystery

Emphasizes the lack of understanding and the puzzling nature of the subject.

a riddle wrapped in a mystery

Highlights the layers of obscurity and the challenge of deciphering the subject.

an inscrutable person

Focuses on the inability to interpret someone's thoughts or feelings.

difficult to fathom

Suggests the subject is hard to comprehend or believe.

hard to understand

A straightforward expression of the difficulty in grasping the subject's nature.

an unfathomable puzzle

Combines the ideas of being difficult to understand and like a game or toy.

an unsolved riddle

Indicates that the subject is a mystery that has yet to be explained.

a perplexing question

Implies the subject is like a complicated question that needs answer.

beyond comprehension

Conveys that the subject is impossible to fully grasp or understand.

an inexplicable phenomenon

Describes the subject as an event or occurrence that cannot be explained.

FAQs

How can I use "such an enigma" in a sentence?

Use "such an enigma" to describe someone or something that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. For instance, "The artist's true intentions remain "such an enigma", even after years of analysis."

What are some alternatives to "such an enigma"?

You can use phrases like "a complete mystery", "a riddle wrapped in a mystery", or "an inscrutable person" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "such an enigma" in formal writing?

Yes, "such an enigma" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. However, ensure that its usage aligns with the context and tone of your writing.

What makes someone or something "such an enigma"?

Someone or something is ""such an enigma"" when their true nature, motives, or origins are obscure or puzzling, defying easy understanding or explanation.