this is confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is confusing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is unclear or difficult to understand. Example: "After reading the instructions, I have to say, this is confusing and I need further clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Gosh, this is confusing.

Independent

"This is confusing".

The New York Times

charanna, this is confusing.

The New York Times

To Americans, this is confusing.

The New Yorker

I know this is confusing".

The New York Times

This is confusing both historically and dramatically.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"This is confused, and I think wrong.

The Guardian

Obviously, this was confusing for us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Frequently, they simply conveyed information 'telling' rather than 'selling' and some of this was confusing.

Journal of Hospital Infection

Realizing this was confusing.

Forbes

The take away on this was confusing.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is confusing", be specific about what exactly is causing the confusion to provide context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "this is confusing" without elaborating on why it's confusing. Providing context helps the reader understand the source of the confusion and address it effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is confusing" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective experience of incomprehension. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to convey a lack of understanding or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is confusing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a lack of understanding. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. To enhance clarity in your writing, remember to provide specific context when using this phrase. As per Ludwig AI, "this is confusing" is usable in written English when expressing that something is unclear or difficult to understand, suggesting alternatives like "this is unclear" or "this is perplexing" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is perplexing

Replaces "confusing" with a more formal synonym, 'perplexing', suggesting a state of bewilderment.

this is bewildering

Substitutes "confusing" with "bewildering", emphasizing the disorientation caused by the lack of clarity.

this is puzzling

Uses "puzzling" instead of "confusing", highlighting the enigmatic nature of the subject.

this is unclear

Replaces "confusing" with the more direct and simple "unclear", focusing on the lack of clarity.

this is vague

Emphasizes the lack of specificity as the source of confusion, using "vague" as a substitute.

this is ambiguous

Replaces "confusing" with "ambiguous", pointing out the multiple possible interpretations as the cause of difficulty.

this is enigmatic

Substitutes "confusing" with "enigmatic", giving a slightly more sophisticated tone and highlighting the mysterious nature of the subject.

this is baffling

Uses "baffling" instead of "confusing", suggesting a sense of being completely stumped or perplexed.

this is disorienting

Highlights the feeling of being lost or without bearings, swapping "confusing" for "disorienting".

this is misleading

Suggests the information is not just confusing but actively leading to incorrect conclusions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is confusing" to sound more professional?

In a professional setting, consider alternatives such as "this is unclear", "this requires clarification", or "this is ambiguous", depending on the specific context.

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

"This is confusing" suggests a lack of understanding, while "this is complicated" implies complexity or difficulty in dealing with something. Something can be complicated without necessarily being confusing, and vice versa.

Is it appropriate to use "this is confusing" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "this is confusing" might be perceived as too informal for some formal contexts. Opt for more precise alternatives like "this is perplexing" or "this is ambiguous" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What can I say instead of "this is confusing" when giving feedback?

When providing feedback, consider phrases like "I don't understand", "I'm having trouble following", or "could you clarify?" to express confusion in a constructive manner.