we are puzzled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are puzzled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing confusion or uncertainty about a situation or information. Example: "After reviewing the data, we are puzzled by the unexpected results that contradict our initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

We are puzzled.

The New York Times

Frankly, we are puzzled that this is being viewed as a First Amendment issue.

The New York Times

We are puzzled about why he talks to Americans directly so rarely and with seeming reluctance.

The New York Times

But we are puzzled by its failure to make public a document vital to the effort.

The New York Times

"We are puzzled by this," said Susan Tolchin, chief adviser to County Executive Andrew J. Spano.

The New York Times

Asked about the Springfield case, Mark Herr, a spokesman for Merrill Lynch, said, "We are puzzled by this suit".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

When analyzing the tree presented in Figure 1, we were puzzled to observe that the AR-B sequence can be found in basal teleosts (Heterotis, Anguilla) as well as in many Percomorphs but is missing in many basal Clupeocephala lineages.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Herein lies the irony to Japan's 30-year economic malaise: the most puzzling thing about it is that we're puzzled.

Huffington Post

"We were puzzled".

The New York Times

"We're puzzled," her father Larry said.

The Guardian

Sometimes, to tell the truth, we're puzzled ourself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing confusion, follow "we are puzzled" with a clear statement of what is causing the confusion. For example: "We are puzzled by the recent drop in sales despite increased marketing efforts."

Common error

Avoid using "we are puzzled" without providing context for the confusion. Readers need to understand what is causing the puzzlement to fully grasp the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are puzzled" primarily functions as a statement expressing a state of confusion, bewilderment, or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and frequently used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its deployment across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are puzzled" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications, suggesting a neutral register. To enhance clarity, it is advisable to follow this phrase with a statement explaining the cause of the puzzlement. Consider alternatives such as "we are confused" or "we are baffled" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we find it perplexing

Replaces "puzzled" with "perplexing", indicating a state of deep confusion and difficulty in understanding.

we are baffled by this

Substitutes "puzzled" with "baffled", suggesting a state of being utterly confused and unable to understand something.

we are at a loss to explain

Indicates an inability to provide a reason or understanding for something, implying confusion.

we are perplexed by it

Uses "perplexed" instead of "puzzled", suggesting a state of bewilderment and uncertainty.

we're struggling to understand

Emphasizes the difficulty in comprehending something, conveying a sense of confusion and effort.

we're having trouble understanding

Highlights the difficulty in grasping a concept or situation, implying confusion.

we're uncertain about

Focuses on the lack of certainty or clarity, indicating a state of doubt or confusion.

we're mystified by this

Replaces "puzzled" with "mystified", suggesting a state of being bewildered or perplexed.

we are confused

Uses a more direct term for lack of understanding.

we don't understand

A straightforward expression of incomprehension, highlighting the lack of understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "we are confused", "we are baffled", or "we find it perplexing" depending on the context.

How do I use "we are puzzled" in a sentence?

"We are puzzled" is typically followed by a prepositional phrase (e.g., "we are puzzled by the results") or a clause explaining the cause of the puzzlement (e.g., "we are puzzled why the experiment failed").

Is "we are puzzled" formal or informal?

"We are puzzled" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the specific situation will influence the overall tone.

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

While similar, "we are puzzled" often implies a sense of mild bewilderment or curiosity, whereas "we are confused" suggests a stronger sense of disorientation or lack of understanding.