to make matters even more perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make matters even more perplexing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing an additional complication or confusion to a situation being discussed. Example: "The report was already difficult to understand, and to make matters even more perplexing, the data was incomplete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To make matters even more confusing, experts disagree about whether individuals should be more aggressive than big plans, or less.

The New York Times

To make matters even more confusing, Staten Island and Brooklyn have first-year managers this season.

The New York Times - Sports

And to make matters even more difficult, his costume is simply a dance belt.

The New York Times - Arts

To make matters even more complex, that generation of Communists cynically tried to deflect anti-Semitism in other directions.

The New Yorker

To make matters even more complex, analyses of homology may also need to consider the function of the trait.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

To make matters even more difficult, those seven games will be played within just 12 days.

Forbes

To make matters even more uncertain, since 2001 Congress has been constantly changing the amount of this AMT exemption.

Forbes

Labour's conversion to a strange contributions idea would make matters even more regressive.

The Guardian - Opinion

To be an artist who believed as she did must have made matters even more difficult.

The Guardian

Making matters even more unusual, this full moon, according to NASA, is considered a supermoon.

The Washington Post

Making matters even more complex, plants turn out not to be passive beneficiaries of soil immunity.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make matters even more perplexing" to introduce an element that adds confusion or complexity to an already complicated situation. It helps signal to the reader that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "to make matters even more perplexing" when the situation isn't genuinely complex or confusing. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make matters even more perplexing" serves as a transitional expression, indicating an additional element of confusion or complexity. Ludwig confirms that it's usable in written English. It functions to introduce new information that heightens the existing sense of bewilderment.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make matters even more perplexing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as validated by Ludwig. Its main function is to introduce additional confusion or complexity to a situation. While the frequency of the phrase is missing based on the available data, the phrase can be effectively used across various contexts, although one should avoid overusing it in situations where the complexity is overstated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to further complicate things

Focuses on the added complexity rather than the confusion itself.

to compound the confusion

Focuses on the compounding effect of adding more confusion.

to add to the bewilderment

Emphasizes the feeling of bewilderment or puzzlement.

to increase the intricacy

Focuses on the increasing level of detail and complexity.

to make the situation murkier

Uses a metaphor to describe the situation becoming less clear.

to muddle things even more

Uses a less formal tone to describe the act of confusing things.

to obscure matters further

Emphasizes the obscuring or hiding of clarity.

to deepen the mystery

Highlights the mysterious nature of the situation.

to exacerbate the ambiguity

Highlights the worsening of the ambiguity or uncertainty.

to heighten the enigma

Highlights the enigmatic or puzzling quality.

FAQs

How can I use "to make matters even more perplexing" in a sentence?

You can use "to make matters even more perplexing" to introduce a fact or situation that adds to the existing confusion or complexity. For instance, "The instructions were already unclear, and to make matters even more perplexing, some steps were missing."

What's a less formal way to say "to make matters even more perplexing"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "to add to the confusion" or "to make things even more confusing". These options are suitable for more casual conversations or writing.

Is there a difference between "to make matters even more perplexing" and "to complicate things further"?

While both phrases indicate added difficulty, "to make matters even more perplexing" emphasizes confusion, while "to complicate things further"/"to complicate things further" focuses on increased complexity. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight confusion or intricacy.

When is it appropriate to use "to make matters even more perplexing" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "to make matters even more perplexing" when you want to emphasize that a situation is not only complicated but also confusing or difficult to understand. It's effective in situations where clarity is already lacking.