this is rather perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is rather perplexing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or bewilderment about a situation or information that is difficult to understand. Example: "After reviewing the data, I must say, this is rather perplexing; I expected different results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since this novel is set during wartime, it is obvious why it is necessary for them to move around, but it is rather perplexing why they cross over the Russian and German borders and back for no apparent reason, especially when all the checkpoints are guarded and their passports are stolen from corpses.

The Guardian

It is rather perplexing for users when the interaction incorrectly switches the classification and removes correct ink strokes.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The issue of the tumor vessels permeability is rather perplexing.

F1000Research

I'm rather perplexed by this debate, which has been going in the UK for quite some time because I view taxes as not optional.

Independent

This is rather simple.

WikiHow

This is rather usual.

WikiHow

Although this effort is ongoing, results of association studies based on the NGM have been disappointing, or rather perplexing.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Mr Zajaczkowski thinks Poland's dependency on EU money is like that of a drug addict for his fix.The voters of Tooting are likely to find much of this rather perplexing.

The Economist

This is perplexing.

SEP

Why this should be so was perplexing.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is perplexing that this animal died this way because they're rather agile in the wild," David Schofield, NOAA's health and response coordinator, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity when using "this is rather perplexing", briefly state what you expected or the reason for your confusion immediately following the phrase. This provides context and helps your audience understand your perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "this is rather perplexing" in highly formal or professional documents, as it can sound slightly informal or understated. Opt for stronger, more direct language to convey confusion or concern if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is rather perplexing" functions as a statement expressing a sense of confusion or mild bewilderment. It is used to indicate that a situation, fact, or piece of information is difficult to understand or explain. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it expresses confusion or bewilderment.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is rather perplexing" is a phrase used to express mild confusion or bewilderment. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English. Due to a lack of concrete examples, its typical contexts could not be discerned. Alternatives such as "this is quite confusing" or "this is somewhat baffling" may be used depending on the context. The phrase's register is generally neutral, fitting a variety of situations where one wishes to express mild surprise or confusion without being overly direct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is quite baffling

Substitutes "perplexing" with "baffling" maintaining a similar level of formality.

this is quite confusing

Replaces "rather perplexing" with "quite confusing", indicating a state of mental disarray.

this is somewhat puzzling

Uses "puzzling" instead of "perplexing", suggesting the situation is akin to a riddle.

this is a bit mysterious

Indicates the situation has elements that are not easily understood, similar to a mystery.

this is a mystery to me

Changes the structure to emphasize personal bewilderment.

this is beyond my understanding

Shifts focus to the speaker's inability to comprehend the matter.

this is hard to fathom

Replaces "perplexing" with "hard to fathom", suggesting difficulty in grasping the situation.

this is not easily explained

Focuses on the difficulty in providing a clear explanation for the situation.

this is difficult to comprehend

Highlights the struggle to grasp or understand something fully.

this is beyond comprehension

Emphasizes the complete inability to understand the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "this is rather perplexing" in a sentence?

Use "this is rather perplexing" to express confusion or mild bewilderment about something. For example, "After reviewing the data, "this is rather perplexing"; I expected different results".

What can I say instead of "this is rather perplexing"?

You can use alternatives like "this is quite confusing" or "this is somewhat baffling" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this is rather perplexing"?

It's suitable for situations where you want to express confusion mildly without sounding overly critical or negative. It works well when you are surprised by an unexpected outcome.

What's the difference between "this is perplexing" and "this is rather perplexing"?

Adding "rather" softens the statement, making it less direct and slightly more polite. "This is perplexing" is more direct and can be used when you want to express stronger confusion.