this perplexing dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this perplexing dilemma" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation that presents a confusing or difficult choice or problem. Example: "As I weighed my options, I found myself trapped in this perplexing dilemma, unsure of which path to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a perplexing dilemma.

Duke University

The scientific literature poses a perplexing dilemma for pregnant women with respect to the consumption of fish from natural bodies of water.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

So the course has this perplexing cross-listed title.

Yale University

Zar­dari kept nibbling away at this perplexing concept.

The New York Times - Magazine

This perplexing conclusion, which was pointed out by Russell, is known as Russell's paradox.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Amid all this perplexing flux, what should you do?

Forbes

Currently, we do not have a good explanation for this perplexing behavior of Uch37ΔKEKE.

Protein & Cell

This perplexing misalignment suggests that we are missing an important piece of the puzzle.

University of Chicago

There are nearly as many answers to this perplexing question as there are researchers studying it.

Science Magazine

An accurate determination of the composition of the projections would assist in answering this perplexing question.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Behind his head is a manhole cover, but because he looks so perfectly still — frozen, almost, by some perplexing American dilemma — it's impossible to tell whether he's headed down, like Ellison's nameless protagonist, into the bowels of the city, or up and out into the light.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this perplexing dilemma", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the dilemma and why it is perplexing. Providing specific details will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "this perplexing dilemma" for straightforward problems. This phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely involve significant confusion or conflicting choices. Simpler issues are better described with more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this perplexing dilemma" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It serves to identify a specific problem or situation characterized by its confusing and complex nature, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this perplexing dilemma" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a situation characterized by confusion and complexity. As indicated by Ludwig, while the phrase is readily understandable, it is not extremely common, and there aren't examples with the query having 100% match with it. When employing this phrase, ensure the context sufficiently highlights the perplexing nature of the dilemma. Furthermore, consider the writing guidance to prevent overuse in situations where a simpler description would suffice. Finally, consider using an alternative like "this confusing predicament" or "this puzzling conundrum" if you need to rephrase it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this confusing predicament

Replaces 'perplexing' with 'confusing' and 'dilemma' with 'predicament', both synonyms, altering the tone slightly to be less formal.

this puzzling conundrum

Substitutes 'perplexing' with 'puzzling' and 'dilemma' with 'conundrum', indicating a more intellectual or intricate problem.

this baffling issue

Uses 'baffling' instead of 'perplexing' and replaces 'dilemma' with 'issue', suggesting a problem that is hard to understand or solve.

this intricate problem

Replaces 'perplexing dilemma' with 'intricate problem', simplifying the language to focus on complexity rather than confusion.

this challenging situation

Substitutes 'perplexing' with 'challenging' and 'dilemma' with 'situation', shifting the focus to the difficulty posed by the circumstances.

this thorny question

Replaces 'perplexing dilemma' with 'thorny question', implying a problem that is sensitive and difficult to handle.

this vexing matter

Uses 'vexing' in place of 'perplexing' and 'matter' instead of 'dilemma', indicating something that causes annoyance or frustration.

this complicated quandary

Substitutes 'perplexing' with 'complicated' and 'dilemma' with 'quandary', emphasizing the complex and uncertain nature of the situation.

the heart of the matter

Moves away from the direct description of the problem and instead uses a more figurative expression to get to core.

a sticky wicket

An idiom which refers to a difficult circumstance, may require more explanation for those unfamiliar with the expression.

FAQs

How can I replace "this perplexing dilemma" in my writing?

Consider alternatives like "this confusing predicament", "this puzzling conundrum", or "this baffling issue" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes a dilemma "perplexing"?

A perplexing dilemma is characterized by its confusing and often contradictory nature. It involves choices that are difficult to understand or resolve, leaving one feeling puzzled and uncertain.

Is it appropriate to use "this perplexing dilemma" in formal writing?

Yes, "this perplexing dilemma" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or intricate problems. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "this perplexing dilemma" and "this challenging situation"?

While both refer to difficult circumstances, "this perplexing dilemma" emphasizes the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the problem, whereas "this challenging situation" focuses on the difficulty and effort required to overcome it.