Nobody wants to be caught out in a situation where they don’t know what to do next. “Not knowing what to do” is hard at the best of times. This article will explore some of the best synonyms for the idea, helping you to come up with some one-word options.
The preferred alternatives are “stumped,” “nonplussed,” and “perplexed.” These words allow you to create an idea of uncertainty or confusion. They are often attributed to situations where there are multiple outcomes, but you cannot even decide on a simple one.
Stumped
“Stumped” is a great synonym for this situation. It’s a fairly informal word that shows you are unable to complete a task or answer a question. It works best when you’ve deliberately made something challenging for someone to complete.
The definition of “stumped,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to be unable to answer a question or solve a problem because it is too difficult.”
- I’m totally stumped right now. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do, and none of you are helping me.
- Oh, you can tell that he’s stumped. I don’t think he’s going to come to a decision anytime soon. We’ll be here for a while.
- She’s stumped! Try not to pressure her too much. I don’t think she’s going to enjoy seeing you all mock her for this.
Nonplussed
“Nonplussed” is more formal than “stumped.” It’s a good choice when you want to show that someone is surprised or confused. It is often associated with an inability to know what to do next.
While it’s not a common word today (it was much more popular in the past), it’s still widely recognized. You’ll be able to use this with native speakers, and they’ll often understand your meaning.
The definition of “nonplussed,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “surprised, confused, and not certain how to react.”
- I’m nonplussed by his reaction. I didn’t think he’d be so on board with it, and now I have no idea what to do next.
- They’re both nonplussed by this event. I don’t think it’s smart to try and pressure them into doing anymore, to be honest.
- You’re nonplussed. I can tell by the look on your face that you have no idea what comes next. That’s living, my friend!
Perplexed
“Perplexed” shows that you or someone else is confused about something. You might not be able to come to a decent arrangement or conclusion. If you are perplexed, you’ll usually require the input of others to help you out.
The definition of “perplexed,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “confused because something is difficult to understand or solve.”
- I’m quite perplexed right now. Surely, there must be some way for us to solve this issue without worrying about the outcomes?
- You don’t have to be so perplexed. Things like this are actually quite easy to solve. You just have to know what to do about them.
- I’m perplexed. Are they going to keep on replacing whoever’s in charge? If so, who’s next?
Puzzled
“Puzzled” is a good way of showing that you are confused. It shows that you don’t know what to do next and comes from the idea of “puzzles” being difficult to solve.
You might be presented with a specific problem. If you don’t know how to solve it, you will end up “puzzled” by it.
The definition of “puzzled,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “confused because you do not understand something.”
- She’s quite puzzled right now. Maybe you can help her try and figure this stuff out. It’s for the greater good, after all.
- I’m too puzzled to come to a reasonable conclusion here. I think you’re going to have to work this one out without me.
- I’m quite puzzled. I don’t understand why you have said the things you have. Maybe we can come to an agreement.
Confused
“Confused” is the simplest word on this list. It’s the easiest way to show that somebody has no idea what their next move needs to be. They might be trying to come up with a good solution, but the chances are high that they have no idea what they have to do.
The definition of “confused,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “unable to think clearly or to understand something.”
- You’re so confused right now! I think that’s adorable. But maybe I should help you try and figure this out.
- I think you’re confused for no reason. If you put a little more time toward it, you’ll find it much easier to work these things out.
- I’m confused! Why did they all come here at this time? Now I have no idea what I’m supposed to do to make this better.
Baffled
“Baffled” is a bit more informal. It’s a great colloquial replacement for “confused.” You can use it to show that someone is unable to understand or complete something because they do not know what you are asking of them.
The definition of “baffled,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to cause someone to be completely unable to understand or explain something.”
- I’m completely baffled now. There is absolutely no scenario that I can work out that’s going to make this easier for me.
- She’s baffled, and there’s a good reason for that. I don’t think we’re going to be able to help her out of the darkness yet.
- Aren’t you supposed to act more baffled than that? I thought you wouldn’t have much of a clue what you’re supposed to do.
Bewildered
“Bewildered” is another great way of showing confusion in someone. It shows that you don’t know what to do, and you will often have to rely on other people to help you out with your decision-making.
The definition of “bewildered,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “confused and uncertain.”
- I’m bewildered! I didn’t think I’d make it this far, so I didn’t come up with much of a game plan once I got to this point.
- Aren’t you as bewildered as I am? I cant’ be the only one here that’s struggling to understand what’s happening right now.
- It’s bewildering to me. I don’t think there’s a reasonable way for us to solve this without really going for it.
Uncertain
“Uncertain” is a great way of showing that you (or someone else) don’t know what to do next. This is a particularly effective word when you are presented with multiple options at the same time.
If you’re only told to choose one option out of a large group, you might be “uncertain” about which one will be best. This could lead you to “not knowing what to do” in any given situation.
The definition of “uncertain,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “not knowing what to do or believe, or not able to decide about something.”
- As uncertain as I am, I think we’ll be able to come to a good conclusion if we just put our minds together. What do you think?
- I’m uncertain about all of this. I just want things to do better than they did before. Do you understand that?
- Why do you have to be so uncertain all the time? I just wish you had a better understanding of how to do these things.
Flummoxed
“Flummoxed” is a great verb form that allows us to confuse someone directly. If we have asked them a question or presented them with something that’s genuinely confused them, then we have “flummoxed them.”
It’s not a common word by any stretch, but it’s a great one to use. If you have it as part of your vocabulary, you’ll be able to impress many native speakers with your verb choices.
The definition of “flummoxed,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to confuse someone so much that they do not know what to do.”
- Well, that truly flummoxed me. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do next, and I don’t think anyone will be willing to help.
- I can tell that you’re flummoxed. Maybe you can revise a little harder next time to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
- She’s flummoxed me! I don’t know how she managed it, but I really don’t know the best way to answer this question!
Dumfounded
“Dumbfounded” is a decent way of showing that you don’t know what to do next. It is associated with speaking rather than acting. It works best when you have been told something that’s left you speechless.
In a way, being speechless still counts as “not knowing what to do.” It shows that you don’t know what the next most appropriate thing to say is.
The definition of “dumbfounded,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “so shocked that you cannot speak.”
- I’m actually dumbfounded right now. I didn’t realize they were going to come at me so hard, and now I don’t know how to finish.
- You’re dumbfounded because of these questions, right? Don’t worry. I remember when I was in your shoes!
- It’s not dumbfounding yet, but I feel like it’s very close. I just want to make sure I know what I’m doing before doing it!
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
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For a response from hatchet the book (3 paragraphs)
asked Oct 18, 2018 at 14:11
2
nonplussed [nänˈpləst] adjective — (of a person) surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react.
Not that the word has taken on an incorrect meaning recently to mean «unaffected,» but etymologically it is quite clear: to be so stimulated that you process no more (non — plus)
answered Oct 18, 2018 at 14:26
CarlyCarly
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He was confounded by what he saw.
Discomfited, abashed, put to shame or mental confusion; confused, disordered
OED
Trump successes confound foes
Journal Publishing — 28 Sep, 2018
Travel Agent ‘Comeback’ Continues to Confound the Public
Market Report — Oct 3, 2018
answered Oct 18, 2018 at 14:52
Nigel JNigel J
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На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.
На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.
That was a brutal grace dealt to me. Precisely because I had such a need of… of truth — «truth,» well, I don’t know what word to use.
Как раз потому что я имел такую потребность в… истине — «истине», да, не знаю, какое слово использовать.
Forgetting what word to use, sometimes.
Only need to know in any case, what word to use.
I don’t know what word to use here.
Exactly what word to use on this topic can be, and is, debated.
I don’t know what word to use here.
If you are unsure about what word to use, ask them.
If they do, in some sense, exist, then it follows that, after making the higher level choice of what word to use, I shall not necessarily be faced with alternatives at the lower level.
Если они в некотором смысле существуют, то из этого следует, что после выбора на высоком уровне слова для использования, я не должен обязательно столкнуться с альтернативами более низкого уровня.
Результатов: 8. Точных совпадений: 8. Затраченное время: 156 мс
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Индекс слова: 1-300, 301-600, 601-900
Индекс выражения: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200
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#1
Hello everyone.
1 a. I was standing there without knowing what to do.
1 b. I was standing there not knowing what to do.
2 a. Not knowing where to go, I wandered here and there around the street.
2 b. Without knowing where to go, I wandered here and there around the street.
Which sentence of each pair does sound correct?
Is there any grammatical difference?
Thank you!
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#2
All the sentences are correct
without knowing = preposition + gerund = modifier
not knowing = adverb + gerund — negating the verbal content of the gerund.
However, the sentences do not mean the same thing. In particular, the meaning of the «Not knowing» sentences will depend on the context.
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#3
Hello everyone.
1 a. I was standing there without knowing what to do.
1 b. I was standing there not knowing what to do.2 a. Not knowing where to go, I wandered here and there around the street.
2 b. Without knowing where to go, I wandered here and there around the street.Which sentence of each pair does sound correct?
Is there any grammatical difference?
Thank you!
All the sentences are correct
without knowing = preposition + gerund = modifier
not knowing = adverb + gerund — negating the verbal content of the gerund.However, the sentences do not mean the same thing. In particular, the meaning of the «Not knowing» sentences will depend on the context.
Is there any grammar rule wheter to use without+ing or not+ing?
level 1
Implanting the color and feel of the dress in his mind
level 1
You don’t want to use two -ly adverbs in a single sentence, so try restructuring the way you say it.
He twirled, and the flimsy dress billowed around him again. The effect was mesmerizing. (Or hypnotic, or compelling.)
level 1
I might suggest using simile, actually; try thinking of something that has mesmerizing movements and make a comparison.
(Downside: that might make the sentence a little long, so you’d probably need to split it in two. You didn’t post the full sentence, though, so I don’t really know where you’re starting from as far as length goes.)
Use the words from the box to complete the sentences.
how, why, where, what, which, whose, when, who
1) I don’t know … book it is, but it is not mine.
2) We can’t say … they decided to stay in London.
3) I’m not sure … is going to help us with the dinner.
4) Tell me … city you like best, Moscow or St Petersburg.
5) Say … is situated in the centre of Trafalgar Square.
6) Ask … they are going to come to Moscow.
7) Jane doesn’t know … her friend is not here either.
8) I’m not sure … they are going to travel, by car or by train.
reshalka.com
ГДЗ Английский язык 6 класс (часть 1) Афанасьева. UNIT 3. Step 1. Номер №3
Решение
Перевод задания
Используй слова в рамке и закончи предложения.
как, почему, где, что, который, чей, когда, кто
1) Я не знаю, … это книга, но она не моя.
2) Мы не можем сказать, … они решили остаться в Лондоне.
3) Я не уверен, … собирается помочь нам с обедом.
4) Скажи мне, … город тебе больше нравится, Москва или Санкт−Петербург.
5) Скажите, … находится в центре Трафальгарской площади.
6) Спросите, … они собираются приехать в Москву.
7) Джейн тоже не знает, … ее подруги здесь нет.
8) Я не уверен, … они собираются путешествовать, на машине или на поезде.
ОТВЕТ
1) I don’t know whose book it is, but it is not mine.
2) We can’t say where they decided to stay in London.
3) I’m not sure who is going to help us with the dinner.
4) Tell me which city you like best, Moscow or St Petersburg.
5) Say what is situated in the centre of Trafalgar Square.
6) Ask when they are going to come to Moscow.
7) Jane doesn’t know why her friend is not here either.
8) I’m not sure how they are going to travel, by car or by train.
Перевод ответа
1) Я не знаю, чья это книга, но она не моя.
2) Мы не можем сказать, где они решили остаться в Лондоне.
3) Я не уверен, кто собирается помочь нам с обедом.
4) Скажи мне, какой город тебе больше нравится, Москва или Санкт−Петербург.
5) Скажите, что находится в центре Трафальгарской площади.
6) Спросите, когда они собираются приехать в Москву.
7) Джейн тоже не знает, почему ее подруги здесь нет.
8) Я не уверен, как они собираются путешествовать, на машине или на поезде.
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Many people are required to pick up or master new words and vocabulary. It can help you describe an event or emotion. It can also help you understand what other people think and their opinions. This article will show you how to learn new vocabulary efficiently.
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1
Pick the right book. You can choose a book that you would like to read or read a book from a series, or topic that you enjoy. You should be ready to read after borrowing and eager to learn new words.
- You could pick a book in the public library or in a school library.
- You can also choose to read online books if you are at home. Consider looking for online books to read on Epic.com and Scribd.com.
- You can also listen to audiobooks, both Epic and Scribd provide audiobooks to read.
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2
Prepare somewhere to write down new words.
- It is best to keep your new words somewhere to look later and revise. Consider making flashcards, as they are a great tool for revision.
- You could use a new word list table or create one yourself. Think about the best layout for a table or document that will help you remember new words, and create a document that works for you.
- You could create your new word list in a document like a Google Doc or Word, or use a small notebook.
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3
Start reading. When you encounter words you do not know, you can use thesaurus.com and dictionary.com to look them up.
- You should write down any words that you wish to learn and keep it neat so you can look and revise them later.
- Sometimes reading only one chapter at a time will help if the book you are reading has multiple chapters.
- Write down any translations of the word if it’s a foreign language.
- Write down the meaning of the word and alternative words from a thesaurus.
- Take little breaks while reading. It is better to read when you are in your best mood. Don’t force yourself to read if you don’t want to. Learn new words only if you are eager to learn.
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4
Use your words and make them your own. After you finish one chapter or the entire book, try using the words you’ve collected on your own. Here are a few things you can try to help get used to using those words:
- Write a summary of each chapter in your book using the words you’ve collected. You can easily summarise the chapter from what you’ve read. Add these words in your own summary.
- Make up a sentence with each word you’ve collected from the book with their meanings.
- Make your own story using the words from what you’ve collected.
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5
Revise the words. Not everyone has a great memory, so even if you collected those words and turn them into your own, you still want to revise. After revising them a couple of times, make sure you are confident with those words. Here is a little checklist of what you should be able to do after you revise 5-6 times:
- You can identify the word immediately and know what it means.
- You know how to use the word
- You know what it means in a sentence
- You are familiar with some thesaurus of that word.
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1
Get access to a dictionary and a thesaurus. You want to have somewhere to look up the meaning of the word when you need to.
- For English words, you might want to use the Oxford dictionary or Cambridge dictionary. You can add a thesaurus if you want.
- Google Translate is a great tool for individual words. Avoid typing long sentences or entire paragraphs in Google Translate because sometimes the translation becomes inaccurate.
- You can use online resources like dictionary.com and thesaurus.com
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2
Use a thesaurus to replace the words you’ve looked up.
- Replacing the words with other similar words will help you understand when you’re reading in a book.
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Books you can read to learn vocabulary: Anything written by William Shakespeare is great. He invented and introduced so many words to the English Language. Moby Dick, by Herman Melville, is also another good book. Books you can read to learn new words, but are still fascinating stories, are the Harry Potter series, The Old Man and the Sea, and Lord of the Flies.
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Don’t copy the whole book or chapter while using the words to write chapter summary.
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Don’t stress out about learning and memorizing. Keep in mind that it takes time to master words.
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