I was wrong to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was wrong to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when admitting a mistake or acknowledging that a previous action or belief was incorrect. Example: "I was wrong to assume that everyone would agree with my decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was wrong to worry.

The New York Times - Books

I was wrong to trust him.

The New York Times

I was wrong to say that.

The New York Times

I was wrong to disdain these films.

The New Yorker

And I was wrong to do that".

The New York Times

I was wrong to doubt them.

The Guardian - Film

I was wrong to worry, though.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Perhaps I was wrong to walk out.

The Guardian - Film

Looking back, I was wrong to turn him down.

The New York Times

whether I was wrong to dream as I did".

The New Yorker

But I was wrong to take their presence for granted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "I was wrong to" with a corrective action or a statement of how you will act differently in the future to show accountability and a commitment to improvement.

Common error

While "I was wrong to" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in very formal or professional settings. Consider using more nuanced language to express error or regret, such as "I regret that" or "I made an error in judgment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was wrong to" functions as an acknowledgement of error or misjudgment. It is typically used to express regret or admission of fault regarding a past action or decision. Ludwig AI provides many examples where this phrase appears in sentences admitting errors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

2%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was wrong to" is a common and direct way to admit a mistake or express regret, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "I shouldn't have" or "I regret having" can be used for similar effect. When using this phrase, it's best practice to be specific about the error and, when possible, offer a corrective action. While versatile, be mindful of using it sparingly in highly formal settings, opting for more nuanced expressions of regret when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I shouldn't have

Focuses more on the action that should not have been done.

I regret having

Emphasizes the feeling of regret about a past action.

I made a mistake in

Highlights the error made in the process of doing something.

It was a mistake to

Shifts the focus to the action itself being the mistake.

I erred in

Uses a more formal term for making a mistake.

I misjudged

Implies a failure in assessment or understanding.

I was mistaken to

Focuses on the state of being wrong about something.

I apologize for

Directly expresses remorse for an action.

In hindsight, I should have

Expresses regret with the benefit of knowing the outcome.

Looking back, I realize I was wrong to

Expresses a change in perspective and recognition of a past error.

FAQs

What does "I was wrong to" mean?

The phrase "I was wrong to" indicates that you acknowledge a mistake or error in a past action, decision, or belief. It's a direct way of admitting fault.

How can I use "I was wrong to" in a sentence?

You can use "I was wrong to" followed by the infinitive form of a verb to describe the action you regret. For example, "I was wrong to assume everyone would agree."

What can I say instead of "I was wrong to"?

You can use alternatives like "I shouldn't have", "I regret having", or "It was a mistake to", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I was wrong to" or "I made a mistake"?

Both "I was wrong to" and "I made a mistake" are acceptable ways to admit fault. "I was wrong to" directly addresses the specific action or belief, while "I made a mistake" is a more general admission. The best choice depends on the specific situation and the level of detail you want to provide.