What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
throw off
Example
I need to throw off this heavy backpack before we start hiking. [throw off: verb]
Example
The sudden gust of wind almost threw me off my feet. [threw off: past tense]
Example
The fake news article was designed to throw off the public's perception of the situation. [throw off: phrasal verb]
confuse
Example
The complex instructions confused me, and I had to ask for help. [confused: past tense]
Example
The two similar-looking plants often confuse people. [confuse: verb]
Example
Her sarcastic tone confused his understanding of her true feelings. [confused: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confuse is more commonly used than throw off in everyday language. Confuse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while throw off is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between throw off and confuse?
Both throw off and confuse can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context and tone. However, throw off may be perceived as more informal or colloquial due to its association with slang or idiomatic expressions.
