What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confuse
Example
The instructions were so confusing that I couldn't figure out how to assemble the furniture. [confusing: adjective]
Example
I'm confused about what you're trying to say. [confused: verb]
perplex
Example
The math problem perplexed me for hours. [perplexed: verb]
Example
I'm perplexed by the sudden change in his behavior. [perplexed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confuse is more commonly used than perplex in everyday language. Confuse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while perplex is less common and more formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between confuse and perplex?
Perplex is more formal than confuse. While confuse can be used in both formal and informal contexts, perplex is typically reserved for more formal situations.
