we are confounded

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As for the rest of us, we are confounded by our own collective lust for perfection and by its obviously soulless results.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Clegg said: "We are confounding the fears about coalition; the idea that parties working together would cause paralysis and stagnation has quietly bitten the dust.

The Guardian

We saw the great impacts of so many groups first-hand, but we also we were confounded by the issue siloes, geographic turf wars, and egos that prevented any real progress on solving complex community problems.

Huffington Post

When the genetic factors we are attempting to detect are confounded with family identity, however, studying linkage without respect to the relatedness of family members yields significant non-syntenic linkage.

Plosone

All categories are confounded and expectations overturned.

The New York Times - Arts

Derek Cianfrance's film may have been overwrought, but it was certainly wrought — constructed with cunning, and unfazed by the likelihood that we might be confounded by its slippages of time, or abashed by the flagrancy of the characters' desires.

The New Yorker

It is possible that the association we observed was confounded by occupational lead exposure, as lead levels among current smokers decrease upon exclusion of persons who reported working in construction or maintenance.

Environmental Health Perspectives

In sociological speak, we might say there are confounding variables.

The New Yorker

Or, perhaps indoor sources such as emissions of cooking PAHs for which we have not controlled, are confounding the results.

Environmental Health Perspectives

As in any epidemiological study, the association we observed may be confounded by other factors.

Diabetes Care

We object to being confounded with quacks and subjected to the same distrust and prosecutions.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While grammatically sound, ensure the level of formality matches your writing. For less formal settings, alternatives like "we are puzzled" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "confounded" when a simpler term like "confused" or "puzzled" would suffice, especially in casual or informal writing. "Confounded" carries a slightly stronger and more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are confounded" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of being confused or bewildered. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and can be used in written English to describe a collective state of perplexity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are confounded" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a state of shared confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts. While suitable for neutral to formal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "we are confused" or "we are puzzled" in casual conversations. The phrase appears more frequently in news and scientific contexts. Therefore, use "we are confounded" when you want to convey a sense of perplexity in a clear and effective manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are perplexed

Replaces "confounded" with a direct synonym, maintaining the core meaning of being puzzled or bewildered.

we are baffled

Similar to "perplexed", this alternative uses a more common synonym for "confounded", indicating a state of being puzzled.

we are bewildered

Emphasizes the sense of being lost or disoriented, a slightly stronger sense of confusion than "confounded".

we are puzzled

A simpler and more direct way to express mild confusion or uncertainty.

we are mystified

Suggests a deeper level of confusion, implying that the situation is inexplicable or mysterious.

we are stumped

An informal way to express that one has reached a point where they cannot proceed due to confusion.

we are at a loss

Indicates that one does not know how to proceed or what to think due to confusion.

we are disoriented

Focuses on the feeling of being lost or confused, especially in terms of direction or understanding.

we are dumbfounded

Implies a state of shock and surprise in addition to confusion.

we are at sixes and sevens

An idiomatic expression indicating a state of confusion and disarray.

FAQs

What does "we are confounded" mean?

"We are confounded" means that a group of people are confused, perplexed, or bewildered about something. It suggests a state of being puzzled or unable to understand a situation.

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

You can use alternatives like "we are perplexed", "we are baffled", or "we are puzzled" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "we are confounded"?

Yes, "we are confounded" is grammatically correct and appropriate to use in written and spoken English, particularly when expressing a shared sense of confusion or bewilderment.

What is the difference between "we are confused" and "we are confounded"?

While both phrases express a lack of understanding, "we are confounded" suggests a stronger sense of bewilderment and is often used in more formal contexts. "We are confused" is a more general and widely applicable term.