which is confusing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is confusing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify that something is difficult to understand or creates uncertainty. Example: "The instructions were poorly written, which is confusing for anyone trying to follow them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

This common confusion comes from (in addition to the name 'osmotic pressure', which is confusing by itself) the statement that the osmotic pressure is the pressure that needs to be applied to a solution to prevent inward flow of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Annals of Botany

Which is confusing.

The New York Times - Food

Its position could change by two diameters in a typical goal shot, which is confusing.

The New York Times - Arts

At delivery, it has a 24-mile range on its battery monitor, which is confusing.

The Washington Post

Another Kerry adviser said, "He talks Senate-speak, which is confusing".

The New Yorker

Ayer should have dropped the movie-within-a-movie, which is confusing in an unproductive way — we share the men's point of view without it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Monet apparently gave up on this one, which is confused and looks half-finished.

The New York Times - Arts

Cameron will have been briefed about the current security situation in Helmand, which is confused.

The Guardian

Engineering seismic exploration aims at shallow imaging which is confused by statics if the surface is uneven.

Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China

What won't be resolved so easily are the problems with the staging, which is confused and illogical, and offers no obvious insights into Wagner's drama.

The Guardian - Music

I am not commending it as a way to think, but the song sums up a particular way of seeing the world which is very common, which is confused and afraid but also confident.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is confusing" to clearly signal to your reader when a particular aspect of your subject matter might be difficult to grasp or understand. This helps manage reader expectations and encourages closer attention.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "which is confusing" in close proximity within your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound monotonous and may suggest a lack of clarity throughout the entire piece. Instead, try to vary your language with synonyms or rephrase sentences to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is confusing" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, providing additional information or commentary about a preceding statement or situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves to highlight something that may be difficult to understand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which is confusing" is a versatile tool for adding commentary and signaling potential comprehension difficulties to your reader. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. As evidenced by the range of examples from sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific journals, it fits into both formal and informal writing contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it’s employed judiciously and followed by sufficient context to clarify the confusing element. Consider alternatives like "that is unclear" or "that's perplexing" to add variety to your writing and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's unclear

Offers a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of clarity as the primary issue.

that's perplexing

Replaces "confusing" with "perplexing", indicating something puzzling or difficult to understand.

that's baffling

Substitutes "confusing" with "baffling", suggesting something that is bewildering or hard to grasp.

that's puzzling

Replaces "confusing" with "puzzling", implying something that presents a problem to be solved or understood.

that's ambiguous

Highlights the presence of multiple possible interpretations, leading to confusion.

that's bewildering

Highlights the disorientation and confusion caused by something complex or unexpected.

that's enigmatic

Suggests a deeper, more mysterious level of confusion due to the obscurity of the subject.

that's incomprehensible

Emphasizes the complete inability to understand something.

that's mystifying

Replaces "confusing" with "mystifying", highlighting the sense of wonder and bewilderment.

that raises questions

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty and doubt created, rather than the direct experience of confusion.

FAQs

How do I use "which is confusing" in a sentence?

Use "which is confusing" to add a comment on a situation or statement that the reader might find hard to understand. For example: "The instructions were poorly written, "which is confusing" for anyone trying to follow them."

What can I say instead of "which is confusing"?

You can use alternatives like "that is unclear", "that's perplexing", or "that's baffling" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to explain why something "which is confusing" is indeed confusing?

While not always required, explaining why something is confusing can greatly enhance clarity for your reader. Providing a brief explanation helps them understand the root cause of the confusion, which can prevent misinterpretations.

How formal is the phrase "which is confusing"?

The phrase "which is confusing" is generally considered neutral in formality and appropriate for most writing contexts, from academic papers to news articles. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "that is ambiguous" or "that is incomprehensible".