thoroughly confused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly confused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of complete bewilderment or lack of understanding about a situation or topic. Example: "After reading the complex article, I was thoroughly confused about the main argument the author was trying to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They became thoroughly confused.

The Guardian - Business

I for one am thoroughly confused.

The Guardian - Business

Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper was thoroughly confused by Fox's tactics.

The New York Times - Sports

S. M. You've thoroughly confused me on the religion front (religious, not religious), but no matter.

The New York Times

AS AN aside to the post below, this Washington Post editorial has me thoroughly confused.

The Economist

I was thoroughly confused and explained I was trying to order a drink.

The Guardian - Travel

I was thoroughly confused about how entitled I was to hate him.

The New York Times - Magazine

The next song may have been Bulgarian, but by this time I was thoroughly confused.

The New York Times - Magazine

Given that I don't yet know a lot, I have the advantage of not yet being thoroughly confused.

The New York Times

An elderly woman who lived in Baltimore has been thoroughly confused by a letter she received from the Medicare Claims Dept. of Blue Shield, &….

The New Yorker

Alike isn't conflicted about her sexual preference, just thoroughly confused about how to express it and to whom. 1 2 Next Page ».

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly confused" when you want to emphasize the extent and degree of confusion experienced. For example, instead of saying "I was confused", use "I was thoroughly confused" to highlight the intensity of your bewilderment.

Common error

While "thoroughly" can add emphasis, avoid overusing it. Too many adverbs can weaken your writing. Consider whether "confused" alone is sufficient, or if a more descriptive adjective would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly confused" functions as an adjective phrase, where "thoroughly" intensifies the adjective "confused". It describes the extent or degree to which someone experiences confusion. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thoroughly confused" effectively conveys a state of significant bewilderment or lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Analysis reveals that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, indicating its use in reporting situations where confusion is prevalent. While alternatives like "utterly baffled" or "completely perplexed" exist, "thoroughly confused" offers a straightforward and widely accepted way to express a deep state of confusion. Remember to use "thoroughly confused" when you want to emphasize how overwhelming your bewilderment is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely perplexed

Emphasizes a state of being deeply puzzled or bewildered.

totally bewildered

Suggests a complete loss of bearings or understanding.

utterly baffled

Indicates a state of extreme perplexity, stronger than "thoroughly confused".

entirely disoriented

Focuses on the feeling of losing one's sense of direction or understanding.

genuinely puzzled

Indicates an authentic state of confusion and curiosity.

absolutely stumped

Implies being unable to find an answer or solution to something.

deeply muddled

Conveys a state of mental disarray or lack of clarity.

in a fog

Implies being mentally unclear or disoriented, often due to confusion.

at a loss

Suggests not knowing what to think, say, or do due to confusion.

gravely discombobulated

A humorous or emphatic way to express confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly confused" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly confused" to describe a state of complete bewilderment or lack of understanding, as in "After reading the manual, I was "thoroughly confused" about how to assemble the furniture."

What's a more formal way to say "thoroughly confused"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "utterly perplexed", "completely bewildered", or "entirely disoriented" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "thoroughly confused"?

The phrase "thoroughly confused" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in standard English. It's appropriate for most contexts, though consider your audience and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "confused" and "thoroughly confused"?

"Confused" implies a general lack of understanding, while ""thoroughly confused"" emphasizes the depth and extent of the confusion. The latter suggests a more significant level of bewilderment.