I was incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging a mistake or error in a previous statement or action. Example: "After reviewing the facts, I realized that I was incorrect about the date of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Obviously, I was incorrect".

The New York Times - Sports

He basically told me that I was incorrect".

The New York Times

But I believe I was incorrect to assert that the intraparty divides on domestic surveillance might insulate Mr. Obama from any change in his ratings.

The New York Times

Update: Having missed the broadcast and only seen a portion of Senator Thune's remarks, I was incorrect about his position.

TechCrunch

The white actress claiming that something is racist against white people, and the group of men telling 23 year old crying me she was sexist against men, and my friend telling me I was incorrect for being offended, all fall into the same category.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The likelihoods of the following two hypothesis for the outcome are tested: (i) the vertex i is correct and (ii) the vertex i is incorrect.

Bioinformatics

Bernstein goes on to claim that I am incorrect in stating that Plesch was Einstein's physician.

The New York Times - Books

In the name of fairness, I should also mention that 2,280 people believe I am incorrect in this assessment, backing the SteadXP product on Kickstarter with more than half a million dollars.

TechCrunch

Gaetano P. Cipriano who serves with E I Associates ( Architects, Engineers Constructors and Realty Property Management) in New Jersey says I am incorrect in a statement here about the credentials of the GOP/Tea Party Texas candidate Ted Cruz.

Huffington Post

"I think it is incorrect to divide society into different groups … This is what could lead to collapse and civil war".

The Guardian

There is some possibility that the peer p i is faulty or sends incorrect information.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was incorrect" when you want to formally acknowledge a mistake or misjudgment, especially after reviewing new information or considering another perspective.

Common error

While appropriate for formal contexts, "I was incorrect" can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. In such situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "I was wrong" or "I messed up".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was incorrect" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker acknowledges and admits to having made a mistake or error in their previous thought, statement, or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was incorrect" serves as a formal and direct admission of a past error or mistake. As Ludwig AI verifies, this is a grammatically correct and usable expression. While "I was wrong" is a simpler and more common alternative for everyday use, "I was incorrect" is suitable for professional, academic, or official settings. The phrase is frequently used in news media and scientific publications when correcting or clarifying information. Understanding its function and appropriate context ensures effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was wrong

A more direct and common way to admit an error.

I was mistaken

Emphasizes a misunderstanding or misjudgment.

I was in error

A slightly more formal way of saying "I was wrong".

I had it wrong

An informal way to admit being incorrect.

I stand corrected

Indicates acceptance of a correction from someone else.

I erred

A more formal and less common way to say "I was incorrect".

My assessment was inaccurate

Highlights the incorrectness of an evaluation or judgment.

My understanding was flawed

Highlights the defect in comprehension.

I miscalculated

Focuses on a mistake in calculation or planning.

I spoke out of turn

Specifically refers to saying something inappropriate or wrong.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "I was incorrect"?

You can use simpler and more common alternatives like "I was wrong" or "I made a mistake", which are generally suitable for most everyday conversations.

Is it better to say "I was incorrect" or "I am incorrect"?

"I was incorrect" is generally used to acknowledge a past error. "I am incorrect" could be used to acknowledge an error in the present moment, but it's less common. "I was incorrect" acknowledges something in the past, while using "I am incorrect" implies you are currently making an error.

When is it appropriate to use "I was incorrect" instead of "I was wrong"?

While both phrases are used to admit a mistake, "I was incorrect" is more formal and suitable for professional or official settings. "I was wrong" is more casual and appropriate for everyday conversations.

What does it mean when someone says "I stand corrected"?

Saying "I stand corrected" means the speaker acknowledges that someone else has pointed out an error in their statement and they accept the correction. It's a polite way to admit being wrong after being corrected.