totally perplexed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally perplexed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of complete confusion or bewilderment about a situation or information. Example: "After reading the complex report, I was totally perplexed about the findings and their implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"We were totally perplexed," said Ben Smith, who co-founded Room 8 with Gur Tsabar.

The New York Times - Tech

You can check this when things happened and you're feeling totally perplexed.

WikiHow

OK, I can tell you my stance – totally perplexed.

The Guardian - Music

"There's a split between the boys and girls who just love it, and those who seem totally perplexed".

The New York Times

Returning to the subject of England and cricket, most people in the Muslim world are totally perplexed by Mr Blair's blind support for Bush.

The Guardian - Sport

Dutch customs officials at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, totally perplexed by a shipment of that much clay, accompanied the trucks to the building site, apparently to make sure nothing else was concealed inside the neat plastic bundles.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

My friends and I were all shocked and perplexed.

Huffington Post

He retired before the hour rather perplexed by it all.

The Guardian - Sport

Some are grimacing or perplexed, but they're all engaged.

Huffington Post

All three introductions resulted in similar perplexed reactions.

Huffington Post

A long, perplexed pause.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally perplexed" to convey a strong sense of bewilderment or confusion, but consider your audience. In formal writing, "utterly confused" or "completely baffled" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "totally perplexed" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "completely baffled" or "utterly confused" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally perplexed" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of complete confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig examples show its use in describing reactions to confusing situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally perplexed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses a state of complete confusion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase. In more formal settings, alternatives like "completely baffled" or "utterly confused" may be more suitable. The phrase is commonly found in news and media sources, indicating its widespread understanding and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely baffled

Indicates a state of utter confusion, implying an inability to understand something.

utterly confused

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the confusion experienced.

absolutely bewildered

Suggests a state of being completely puzzled or disoriented.

thoroughly puzzled

Highlights the degree to which someone is mentally challenged by something.

entirely mystified

Implies that something is completely incomprehensible or inexplicable.

at a complete loss

Expresses a state of not knowing what to do or think in a situation.

in complete bewilderment

Describes the condition of being entirely confused and disoriented.

deeply muddled

Indicates a state of profound confusion and lack of clarity.

in a quandary

Suggests being in a state of uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.

grappling with confusion

Implies actively struggling to understand or make sense of something.

FAQs

What does "totally perplexed" mean?

The phrase "totally perplexed" means completely confused or bewildered; unable to understand something clearly. It expresses a strong sense of confusion.

How can I use "totally perplexed" in a sentence?

You can use "totally perplexed" to describe a state of complete confusion. For example: "After reading the instructions, I was "totally perplexed"."

What can I say instead of "totally perplexed"?

You can use alternatives like "completely baffled", "utterly confused", or "absolutely bewildered" depending on the context.

Is "totally perplexed" formal or informal?

"Totally perplexed" leans towards informal usage. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "utterly confused" or "completely baffled" to maintain a professional tone.