What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
complicate
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were needlessly complicated. [complicated: adjective]
Example
The new regulations will only complicate the process further. [complicate: verb]
confuse
Example
I'm confused about what you mean. [confused: adjective]
Example
The teacher's explanation only served to confuse the students even more. [confuse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confuse is more commonly used than complicate in everyday language. Complicate is often used in technical or specialized contexts and may not be as familiar to ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between complicate and confuse?
Complicate is more formal than confuse and is often used in technical or specialized contexts. Confuse is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
