utterly confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly confusing" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation or concept that is extremely confusing and difficult to understand. Example: The instructions for assembling the furniture were utterly confusing, leaving the customers frustrated and unable to complete the task.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It was utterly confusing".

The New Yorker

AT FIRST sight it seems utterly confusing.

The Economist

The copyright situation in this country is utterly confusing.

The Guardian - Opinion

From no material to too much, and utterly confusing.

The New York Times - Books

Other characterizations referring to present-day political boundaries are utterly confusing.

The New York Times - Arts

But for years, the default of the United States Patent and Trademark Office has been to grant software patents even when they are impossibly broad or utterly confusing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I get utterly confused".

The New Yorker

Phineas is utterly confused.

The New York Times - Books

I was financially dependent, utterly confused.

The Guardian - Opinion

The crew here is utterly confused.

The New York Times

Most of his recent narrators admit to being utterly confused.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly confusing", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the confusion. Providing specific details or examples can enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly confusing" without specifying the source or nature of the confusion. Vague statements can leave your audience wondering what exactly is unclear, diminishing the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly confusing" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying an adjective. The adverb "utterly" intensifies the adjective "confusing", emphasizing the extreme degree to which something is difficult to understand. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly confusing" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to convey a strong sense of bewilderment or incomprehension. Ludwig examples show it's versatile, appearing in diverse contexts, from News & Media to Science. When using this expression, make sure to provide sufficient context to clarify what exactly is causing the confusion. Alternatives such as ""completely bewildering"" or ""totally incomprehensible"" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely bewildering

Replaces 'confusing' with 'bewildering', suggesting a state of being completely perplexed.

totally incomprehensible

Uses 'incomprehensible' instead of 'confusing' to emphasize the inability to understand something at all.

absolutely perplexing

Replaces 'confusing' with 'perplexing', indicating a state of puzzled uncertainty.

entirely baffling

Uses 'baffling' to suggest something that is extremely difficult to understand or explain.

thoroughly muddled

Indicates something is mixed up and disordered, making it hard to understand.

genuinely perplexing

Emphasizes the authentic and real nature of the perplexing state.

unbelievably intricate

Highlights the complexity and detail making something challenging to understand.

patently confusing

Emphasizes that the confusing nature of something is obvious and evident.

plainly bewildering

Indicates the bewilderment is straightforward and easily apparent.

indisputably perplexing

Suggests the perplexing nature is undeniable and cannot be argued against.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly confusing" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly confusing" to describe something that is extremely difficult to understand. For instance, "The plot of the movie was "utterly confusing", making it hard to follow." You can also use alternatives like "completely bewildering" or "totally incomprehensible".

What's the difference between "utterly confusing" and "slightly confusing"?

"Utterly confusing" indicates a complete lack of understanding, while "slightly confusing" implies a minor level of difficulty. Using "utterly" intensifies the degree of confusion significantly.

Which is correct: "utterly confusing" or "very confusing"?

Both "utterly confusing" and "very confusing" are grammatically correct, but "utterly confusing" conveys a stronger sense of bewilderment. The choice depends on the degree of confusion you wish to express. For a less intense sentiment, consider "extremely confusing".

What can I say instead of "utterly confusing"?

You can use alternatives like ""completely bewildering"", ""totally incomprehensible"", or "absolutely perplexing" depending on the context.