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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
the document is confusing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The sentence "The document is confusing" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use it in the following sentence: "After reviewing the document, I found that it was quite confusing."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Wiki
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Melinda Tilley, of Oxfordshire County Council, made the comments when responding to a parent who said the document was confusing.
News & Media
Mahmoud Abbas, the embattled Palestinian leader, claimed the documents were "confused" and a deliberate misrepresentation of the Palestinian position.
News & Media
Hire an attorney to review legal documents if the information is confusing.
Wiki
The layout is confusing.
News & Media
And the symbolism is confusing.
News & Media
Currently, the law is confusing.
News & Media
The public is confusing).
News & Media
The process is confusing.
News & Media
3) The following is confusing.
Science
We agree that the nomenclature is confusing.
Science
The sizing is confusing to me.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When stating that "the document is confusing", be specific about which sections or aspects are unclear to provide constructive feedback.
Common error
Avoid simply stating "the document is confusing" without providing any context or specific examples. This makes it difficult for the author to understand and address the issues.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the document is confusing" functions as an assertion or statement, expressing that a particular document is difficult to understand or lacks clarity. Ludwig's AI agrees that it is a correct and usable English sentence.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Encyclopedias
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "the document is confusing" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for expressing a lack of comprehension of a document. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage. When using this phrase, be specific about the confusing parts for constructive feedback. Semantically related alternatives include "the document lacks clarity" or "the document is unintelligible". Ludwig's data shows the phrase is prevalent across news, science and formal communication. Be mindful of avoiding overgeneralizations when providing feedback. Remember that clarity is key when communicating, and Ludwig can help refine your expression.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the document lacks clarity
Focuses on the absence of clear expression in the document.
the document is unintelligible
Highlights the document's inability to be understood.
the document is hard to understand
Emphasizes the difficulty in comprehending the document's content.
the document is not clear
Directly states the lack of clarity in the document.
the document is convoluted
Indicates the document is complex and difficult to follow.
the document is perplexing
Suggests the document causes confusion or uncertainty.
the document is ambiguous
Highlights that the document can be interpreted in multiple ways.
the document is obscure
Indicates the document's meaning is hidden or not easily apparent.
the document is muddled
Suggests the document is disorganized and unclear.
the document is vague
Emphasizes the lack of specific details in the document.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "the document is confusing" to sound more professional?
Consider using alternatives like "the document lacks clarity", "the document is difficult to understand", or "the document requires further clarification". These phrases offer a more polished and constructive critique.
What does it mean when someone says "the document is confusing"?
It means that the person finds the document difficult to understand, possibly due to unclear language, poor organization, or complex terminology.
What can I do if I find "the document is confusing"?
Identify specific sections or points that are unclear, and ask for clarification or additional information. You can also suggest ways to improve the document's clarity and organization.
Is it better to say "the document is confusing" or "I am confused by the document"?
Saying "the document is confusing" focuses on the document's inherent qualities, while "I am confused by the document" focuses on your personal understanding. The former can be more direct and constructive, while the latter might be useful if the issue is specific to your background knowledge. Consider also alternatives such as "the document lacks clarity".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested