we are bemused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are bemused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express confusion or puzzlement about a situation or statement. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, we are bemused and unsure of how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And those are the reasons why we are bemused by the tired partisan talking points being trotted by conservatives in their desperate attempts to continue with the catastrophic economic policies of the Bush years.

Huffington Post

On a more general level, we are bemused by this reviewer's persistent focus on metabolic coupling.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were bemused, to say the least.

The New York Times

By John Updike The New Yorker, December 1 , 1956P. 41 Coming to work the other morning, buying a subway token, we were bemused by a reminiscent odor-minty, damp, cool, & secretive.

The New Yorker

We were bemused at the end of the game though.

BBC

We were bemused, period.

Vice

We were bemused by the pretension of the silent interview in a hotel room he did with Dazed magazine.

Vice

The Lawrences are bemused.

The New York Times

They are bemused by you".

The New York Times - Magazine

Some are bemused by it.

The Guardian - Books

But climate scientists are bemused by this claim.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the phrase to convey a sense of detached amusement rather than strong disagreement or anger.

Common error

While "bemused" is a valid word, avoid overusing it in overly formal or serious contexts where simpler words like "confused" or "puzzled" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are bemused" functions as a statement expressing a state of mild confusion or puzzlement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression often used to convey a sense of being mildly bewildered by something unexpected or slightly absurd.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are bemused" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express mild confusion or puzzlement, often with a hint of amusement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples show it appears most often in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it is best used in neutral to slightly formal settings, avoiding overuse in overly serious situations. Related phrases like "we are puzzled" or "we are confused" can serve as more direct alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are puzzled

Replaces "bemused" with "puzzled", indicating a state of being perplexed or confused.

we are confused

Substitutes "bemused" with "confused", suggesting a lack of clarity or understanding.

we are perplexed

Uses "perplexed" instead of "bemused", conveying a sense of being bewildered or puzzled.

we are baffled

Replaces "bemused" with "baffled", indicating a state of being unable to understand or explain something.

we find it strange

Expresses a similar sentiment of finding something odd or unusual, differing in structure.

we are taken aback

Conveys a sense of surprise and mild shock, related to the unexpectedness that can cause bemusement.

we are astonished

Indicates a high level of surprise, which can sometimes overlap with bemusement.

we are taken by surprise

Expresses surprise, differing in structure from the original phrase.

we didn't expect that

Implies surprise and a lack of understanding, similar to bemusement but more direct.

we are at a loss

Suggests a state of not knowing how to react or understand something, implying a form of bemusement.

FAQs

How can I use "we are bemused" in a sentence?

You can use "we are bemused" to express mild confusion or puzzlement about something. For example, "We are bemused by the company's sudden change in strategy."

What is a synonym for "we are bemused"?

Synonyms for "we are bemused" include "we are puzzled", "we are confused", or "we are perplexed".

Is "we are bemused" formal or informal?

"We are bemused" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It is suitable for use in news articles, essays, and other forms of writing where a mild sense of confusion is to be conveyed without strong emotion.

What's the difference between "we are bemused" and "we are confused"?

While both phrases express a lack of understanding, "we are bemused" suggests a more detached and mildly amused bewilderment. "We are confused" is a more direct and general expression of not understanding something.