Be wrong about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be wrong about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a misunderstanding or incorrect belief regarding a specific topic or situation. Example: "I might be wrong about the meeting time, so please double-check the schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We can be wrong about other things.

The New Yorker

But I could be wrong about that.

The New Yorker

But I might be wrong about that.

The New York Times

And I may be wrong about that.

The Economist

I could be wrong about that.

The New Yorker

and be wrong about that too.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

He was wrong about supermarkets.

The New Yorker

I was wrong about that.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was wrong about Fumiko.

The New Yorker

She was wrong about that.

The Economist

He was wrong about that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be wrong about" to express a possibility of being incorrect in your assessment or prediction, adding a layer of humility and openness to correction.

Common error

Avoid using "be wrong about" as a dismissive or sarcastic remark. It's better to frame it as a genuine possibility, rather than a challenge to others' opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wrong about" functions as a verb phrase used to express the possibility of holding an incorrect belief or making an inaccurate assessment. As shown by Ludwig, it's commonly employed to introduce a degree of uncertainty or humility when discussing potentially flawed judgments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be wrong about" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that serves to express the possibility of holding an incorrect belief or making an inaccurate assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and sees use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific writing. Using "be wrong about" adds a touch of humility, indicating a willingness to accept correction. When using this phrase, avoid overly assertive or dismissive tones. Alternatives such as "be mistaken about" or "err about" can provide suitable substitutes depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be mistaken about

A direct synonym, indicating a state of being incorrect or having a wrong impression.

be incorrect about

Similar to "be mistaken about", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on factual inaccuracy.

get it wrong regarding

Informal way of saying someone is incorrect or has misunderstood something.

err about

Focuses on the act of making a mistake or being incorrect regarding something.

have the wrong idea about

Suggests a fundamental misunderstanding or misconception.

misjudge

Emphasizes an incorrect assessment or evaluation of someone or something.

be in error concerning

A more formal way to express being incorrect or mistaken about something.

miscalculate

Highlights an error in calculation or estimation.

be off-target regarding

Indicates that an assessment or prediction is not accurate or correct.

falsely assume

Highlights making an assumption that turns out to be incorrect.

FAQs

How can I use "be wrong about" in a sentence?

You can use "be wrong about" to express a possibility of misjudgment. For example, "I might "be wrong about" the details, so double-check the data."

What's a formal alternative to "be wrong about"?

A more formal alternative would be "be mistaken about" or "be in error concerning", which are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

How does "be wrong about" differ from "misjudge"?

"Be wrong about" generally refers to a factual inaccuracy or incorrect assessment. "Misjudge", however, specifically implies an error in evaluating someone or something's character or qualities.

Is it better to say "incorrect about" or "wrong about"?

Both "incorrect about" and "wrong about" are acceptable, but "wrong about" is more common in everyday conversation. "Incorrect about" sounds slightly more formal.