I have been wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have been wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to acknowledge that you made a mistake or that you were wrong about something. For example, "I thought that the movie was going to be terrible, but it turned out to be really good. I have been wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But I have been wrong before.

The Guardian - Film

But I have been wrong about him before.

Independent

"I've thought carefully about whether I have been wrong here.

The Guardian

Then I sit down and read him again and realize immediately that I have been wrong.

The New York Times

I am sorry if I have been wrong," the publisher, Kristina Witt, wrote back later.

The New Yorker

Do you see this differently?" or "You know, I have been wrong before.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

My anger at someone simply is the judgment that I have been wronged by that person.

SEP

"I've been wrong before.

The New York Times - Sports

I've been wrong.

The Guardian

I wish I had been wrong".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm skeptical, but I've been wrong before.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have been wrong" to directly acknowledge a mistake or misjudgment, fostering transparency and accountability in communication.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "I have been wrong" in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I was mistaken" or "I erred" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate nuanced self-awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have been wrong" functions as an admission of error or misjudgment. It directly acknowledges a previous incorrect assessment or belief. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I have been wrong" is a common and grammatically sound way to admit a mistake or misjudgment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, from formal business settings to informal conversations. While highly versatile, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse by employing synonyms such as "I was mistaken". The phrase's effectiveness lies in its directness and transparency, fostering trust and accountability in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was mistaken

This alternative uses a different verb tense and a more direct acknowledgement of error.

I got it wrong

A simpler, more direct, and informal way to express being wrong.

I was incorrect

This alternative uses a more formal adjective to describe the state of being wrong.

I erred

This is a more formal and concise way of admitting a mistake.

I see my error

This expresses recognition and acceptance of the mistake.

I misjudged the situation

This alternative indicates an error in evaluating circumstances.

I stand corrected

This indicates accepting a correction from someone else.

My assessment was inaccurate

This phrase specifies that the error was in an assessment or judgment.

That was my mistake

This shifts the focus slightly to the error itself rather than the speaker's state.

I was off the mark

This phrase is more informal, suggesting a slight error or miscalculation.

FAQs

How can I use "I have been wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "I have been wrong" to admit a mistake or misjudgment. For example, "I predicted the company would fail, but I was wrong; it's now thriving".

What are some alternatives to saying "I have been wrong"?

Some alternatives include "I was mistaken", "I erred", or "I was incorrect", depending on the context and formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I was wrong" or "I have been wrong"?

Both "I was wrong" and "I have been wrong" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "I was wrong" is simpler and more direct, while "I have been wrong" can imply a realization or a change in understanding over time.

How does "I have been wrong" differ from "I am wrong"?

"I am wrong" indicates a current state of being incorrect about something. "I have been wrong" suggests that you were incorrect in the past and now recognize it, implying a change in perspective.