this can be confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can be confusing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to acknowledge that something may not be clear or may lead to misunderstandings. Example: "The instructions for this software update are quite technical, and this can be confusing for new users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But sometimes this can be confusing.

The Guardian - Tech

All this can be confusing for consumers, Mr. Ulzheimer says, who may wonder.

The New York Times

This can be confusing.

The New York Times

This can be confusing for consumers, according to Panera CEO Blaine Hurst.

Forbes

This can be confusing until the player takes issues other than chemical shift into account: symmetry, peak intensity related to nature of carbon nucleus and so on.

Journal of Cheminformatics

This can be confusing to understand because in games like pet simulators it seems as though much is spent on cosmetic items.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

This can be confused easily with a lateral meniscal lesion, especially if guarding because of pain is mistaken for restricted range of motion from a displaced meniscal tear.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Many times this can be confused with insect bites, such as spider bites.

WikiHow

Do not use words like "hurt" as euphemisms for sexual abuse this can be confused with physical pain, child molesters often tell victims they will make them "feel good".

WikiHow

On the downside, this app can be confusing to use, and it requires you sign up for an account before you can save your final movies.

The New York Times - Tech

It is common to find organizations with cultures that emphasize both results and caring, but this combination can be confusing to employees.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "this can be confusing" as a standalone statement. Provide context or examples to illustrate why it is confusing.

Common error

Don't just state that "this can be confusing" without explaining what aspect is confusing or why. Provide specific details to help the reader understand the potential source of confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can be confusing" functions as a commentary or evaluative statement. It indicates a potential for misunderstanding or difficulty in comprehending a particular subject, situation, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is often used to preface a clarification or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this can be confusing" is a common expression used to signal potential difficulties in understanding something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's often found in news articles, wikis, and scientific publications. To use it effectively, provide context and explanations to mitigate the confusion. Consider alternatives like ""this may be perplexing"" or "this requires clarification" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase without offering sufficient context or detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this may be perplexing

Replaces "confusing" with "perplexing", suggesting something is puzzling or difficult to understand.

this could be misleading

Focuses on the potential for the subject to lead to incorrect conclusions.

this might be ambiguous

Highlights the lack of clarity or definiteness in the subject.

this is potentially bewildering

Uses "bewildering" to emphasize the confusing or disorienting nature.

this is open to misinterpretation

Focuses on the risk that the subject will be understood incorrectly.

this requires clarification

Indicates a need for further explanation to avoid confusion.

this is not straightforward

Suggests the subject is complex or involves hidden difficulties.

this presents a challenge to understanding

Emphasizes the difficulty one might face in comprehending the subject.

this lacks clarity

Directly points out the absence of clear and easily understandable elements.

this is subject to misunderstanding

Highlights the potential for incorrect comprehension by an audience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this can be confusing" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "this may present challenges to understanding", "this is open to misinterpretation", or "this requires clarification".

What's the difference between "this can be confusing" and "this is confusing"?

"This can be confusing" suggests a potential for confusion, while "this is confusing" states that something is currently causing confusion. The former is often used to preemptively acknowledge potential difficulty, the latter to describe a current state of bewilderment.

What are some common reasons why something "this can be confusing"?

Common reasons include complex terminology, abstract concepts, incomplete information, or conflicting viewpoints. Providing context or examples can help to reduce confusion. You might also try using "this may be perplexing".

How to avoid making instructions or explanations "this can be confusing"?

To avoid confusion, use clear and concise language, break down complex information into smaller steps, provide examples, and anticipate potential misunderstandings. Visual aids such as diagrams or flowcharts can also be helpful.