What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluster
Example
The unexpected news flustered her and she couldn't concentrate on anything else. [fluster: verb]
Example
He was in a fluster trying to finish the project before the deadline. [fluster: noun]
confuse
Example
The instructions were confusing and I didn't know what to do. [confusing: adjective]
Example
I always confuse the twins because they look so alike. [confuse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confuse is more commonly used than fluster in everyday language. Confuse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fluster is less common and refers to a specific state of agitation or confusion caused by stress or nervousness.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fluster and confuse?
Both fluster and confuse are informal words, but confuse can be used in formal contexts as well, while fluster is more casual and less appropriate for formal situations.