very perplexing

USAGE SUMMARY

"very perplexing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is confusing or difficult to understand. For example, "The results of the experiment were very perplexing to the researchers." Alternative expressions include "quite confusing" and "extremely puzzling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"It's very perplexing".

The New York Times

It's all very perplexing.

The Guardian

"This whole matter is very perplexing.

The Guardian

Monochrome There's a very perplexing fashion story going on here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This material is very perplexing to everyone," explained a representative at the Guggenheim.

The Economist

It should improve, and it hasn't and that's a very perplexing thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"It really is perplexing," he says.

Science Magazine

That point was emphasized by the city's NAACP chapter, which called the tweet "beyond perplexing" and "very sad".

Huffington Post

"It was impressive, perplexing but also very positive.

Independent

"It is perplexing, mystifying and very disappointing," said Councilman A. Gifford Miller, whose district includes the area.

The New York Times

"It's a perplexing observation, a very exciting observation," says Gerald Kooyman, an animal physiologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very perplexing", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the confusion. Providing specific examples or details can enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "very perplexing" with overly broad or undefined subjects. Instead of saying "The situation is very perplexing", specify which aspects of the situation are confusing, like "The conflicting reports about the company's finances are very perplexing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very perplexing" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, describing something as highly confusing or difficult to understand. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and appropriate for describing puzzling situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very perplexing" is a common adjective phrase used to describe something that is extremely confusing or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It is frequently found in news media and scientific publications, indicating a neutral register. While effective, overuse with vague subjects should be avoided to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "extremely puzzling" or "highly confusing" can be used to add variety. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "very perplexing" to convey bewilderment and enhance their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely puzzling

Replaces "perplexing" with "puzzling" and "very" with "extremely" for a slightly stronger emphasis on the baffling nature.

highly confusing

Substitutes "perplexing" with "confusing", focusing on the lack of clarity and ease of understanding.

utterly baffling

Replaces "perplexing" with "baffling" and "very" with "utterly" to intensify the sense of bewilderment.

deeply bewildering

Replaces "perplexing" with "bewildering", adding a sense of profound confusion and disorientation.

genuinely mystifying

Replaces "perplexing" with "mystifying", emphasizing the enigmatic and inexplicable nature of something.

quite bewildering

The word "very" has been substituted with "quite".

somewhat confusing

Replaces "perplexing" with "confusing" and "very" with "somewhat", softening the intensity of the confusion.

rather puzzling

Replaces "perplexing" with "puzzling" and "very" with "rather", indicating a moderate level of confusion.

difficult to comprehend

Replaces the single adjective with a phrase indicating the inability to fully grasp something.

hard to understand

Replaces the single adjective with a simpler phrase indicating a lack of clarity.

FAQs

What does "very perplexing" mean?

The phrase "very perplexing" describes something that is extremely confusing or difficult to understand. It indicates a state of bewilderment or puzzlement.

What are some synonyms for "very perplexing"?

Alternatives to "very perplexing" include "extremely puzzling", "highly confusing", or "utterly baffling". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "very perplexing" in a sentence?

You might say, "The sudden change in the data was "very perplexing" to the scientists" or "The plot of the novel was "very perplexing", leaving many readers confused".

Is it better to use "very perplexing" or "perplexing"?

Using "very perplexing" emphasizes the degree of confusion or difficulty. "Perplexing" alone is suitable when the context already implies a significant level of bewilderment. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.