we are bewildered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are bewildered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express confusion or a lack of understanding about a situation or event. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, we are bewildered and unsure of how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We are bewildered by the military.

The New York Times

Insofar as we don't — insofar, say, as we are bewildered to find half the newborns in Vienna in 1850 being abandoned — we are likely to construct theories that human nature has changed.

The New Yorker

We may be only seeing a tiny snapshot of the true picture of fraud across the UK, but we are bewildered as to why Barclays seems to feature so frequently.

The Guardian - Money

Arun Arora, director of communications for the Church of England, said: "The prospect of a multigenerational cultural event offered by the release of Star Wars: the Force Awakens on 18 December – a week before Christmas Day – was too good an opportunity to miss and we are bewildered by the decision of the cinemas.

The Guardian

We are bewildered about what to do with this new, "open space" following Zach's death.

Huffington Post

We are sad to lose someone we loved for having made the world a brighter place with their music, laughter, or drama, and we are bewildered that someone who seemed to have everything we want - success, fame, and fortune - would destroy it all by their own hand.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We were bewildered.

The New York Times - Books

We're bewildered about that one.

BBC

Then the date happens and sometimes we're bewildered by who we meet.

Huffington Post

Therefore we should not be so bewildered by the fact that recent terrorist incidents may have involved doctors; nevertheless, many of us are bewildered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Outsiders are bewildered.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are bewildered" when you want to express a sense of confusion or astonishment shared by a group. Ensure the context provides a clear reason for the bewilderment.

Common error

Avoid using "we are bewildered" when a milder term like "we are slightly confused" would be more appropriate. "Bewildered" suggests a significant level of perplexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are bewildered" functions as a statement expressing a shared state of confusion or perplexity. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, primarily news and media, to convey a lack of understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are bewildered" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a shared sense of confusion or perplexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news and media where expressing collective bewilderment is necessary. While "we are bewildered" isn't an extremely frequent phrase, it's certainly appropriate when a situation warrants such a description of shared confusion. Consider alternatives if a more or less intense expression of confusion is needed. Remember to use it when you want to show bewilderment shared by a group about something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are puzzled

Replaces "bewildered" with "puzzled", indicating a state of confusion and difficulty in understanding something.

we are confused

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

we are perplexed

Replaces "bewildered" with "perplexed", conveying a state of being completely baffled.

we are baffled

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

we are stumped

Replaces "bewildered" with "stumped", suggesting that a problem or question is too hard to solve or answer.

we are at a loss

Replaces "bewildered" with "at a loss", indicating a state of not knowing what to do or say.

we are disoriented

Substitutes "bewildered" with "disoriented", conveying a feeling of being lost or confused, often physically or metaphorically.

we are dumbfounded

Replaces "bewildered" with "dumbfounded", indicating a state of being so shocked that one is temporarily speechless.

we are flummoxed

Substitutes "bewildered" with "flummoxed", conveying a sense of utter confusion and helplessness.

we are mystified

Replaces "bewildered" with "mystified", suggesting a state of being puzzled or confused by something difficult to explain.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are bewildered" to express a shared state of confusion or astonishment. For example, "After the unexpected announcement, "we are bewildered" and unsure of how to proceed."

What can I say instead of "we are bewildered"?

You can use alternatives like "we are puzzled", "we are confused", or "we are perplexed" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we are bewildered" in formal writing?

Yes, "we are bewildered" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news or reports where you need to convey a sense of shared confusion or uncertainty. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "we are bewildered" and "we are surprised"?

"We are surprised" indicates a feeling of astonishment at an unexpected event. "We are bewildered" suggests a deeper level of confusion and lack of understanding, beyond mere surprise.