Writers use figurative language to enhance the imagery, evoke emotions, and create a more engaging and vivid reading experience for their audience. It helps to make the writing more expressive and impactful by allowing the readers to connect with the text on a deeper level, rather than to confuse or lengthen the story. Humor can also be used to entertain and engage readers, but the primary goal is usually to enrich the writing and convey meaning in a more creative way.

AP Style recommends using abbreviations for common terms if they are universally accepted and are likely to be readily understood by readers. However, avoid unnecessary use of abbreviations that may confuse readers or slow down the flow of the text. Be sure to explain the abbreviation on first reference.

The verb of confusion is confuse.

As in "to confuse someone" or "to confuse something".

He refused to let the homework confuse him.

Dolphins defeat sharks by trying to confuse them.

The past tense of "confuse" is "confused."