a big wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big wrong" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward to native speakers.
It could be used informally to emphasize the severity of a wrongdoing, but it is not commonly accepted in formal writing. Example: "What he did was a big wrong, and it affected everyone involved."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

One message read, "Big mistake to correct a big wrong decision".

The New York Times

This time it feels like maybe we are sleepwalking into a big, wrong decision.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's such a big wrong in the Koran that it is impossible to be accepted".

The New York Times

"It would be quite welcome if people want that, it would be an appropriate name … It rights with a little gesture a big wrong that was done a long, long time ago".

The Guardian

However you react to his answer, lawyers like Buzbee need a big wrong to make their business model a success, which is why his current project revolves around the offshore explosion aboard BP's Deepwater Horizon, which killed 11 people aboard the floating rig and released an estimated 200 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I can just about understand your stance here, but, personally, I'm of the school that two wrongs just make a bigger wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or it could be a case of two wrongs making a very big wrong.

TechCrunch

"It is a very big wrong, especially at this time when the Shia and the Muslims in Iraq need an open mind and an understanding person who can hold people together," Mr. Elcheikhali said.

The New York Times

The first, often most satisfying, act of these pictures follows the straitened protagonists, chasing jobs and cockroaches, scrambling around a hardscrabble trailer- camp milieu, until they discover the Big Wrong, a trail of ordinary folk victimized by corporate misconduct.

The New York Times

The big wrong at the moment is a short circuit, a simple-sounding problem in the delicate wiring of a solar vehicle.

The New York Times

Right?.... Ummmm... that's a big fat wrong!!!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big wrong", consider the formality of your context. In formal writing, opt for alternatives like "a serious mistake" or "a significant injustice" for greater clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a big wrong" in academic papers or professional reports. It might sound too casual or informal, diminishing the impact of your message. Instead, choose stronger and more specific vocabulary to convey your message more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big wrong" functions as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "wrong". It describes a specific instance of wrongdoing, emphasizing its magnitude or significance. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is acceptable but may be considered informal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big wrong" is an acceptably grammatical, albeit informal, phrase used to emphasize the severity of an error or injustice. While it's prevalent in news and media contexts, alternative phrases like "a serious mistake" or "a significant injustice" may be more appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not incorrect, but careful consideration of the context is crucial for effective communication. While used in the press, its use should be deliberate, to obtain a specific effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious mistake

Replaces "wrong" with "mistake", focusing on the error aspect.

a significant injustice

Replaces "wrong" with "injustice", highlighting the unfairness.

a major transgression

Replaces "wrong" with "transgression", suggesting a violation of rules or norms.

a grave error

Replaces "big" and "wrong" with stronger synonyms.

a fundamental flaw

Focuses on the inherent defect or shortcoming.

a substantial error

Emphasizes the significant size or impact of the mistake.

a gross misjudgment

Highlights the poor decision-making involved.

a terrible blunder

Focuses on the clumsiness or carelessness of the mistake.

a considerable wrong

More formal phrasing indicating something ethically wrong.

a monumental error

Stresses the very large scale of the error.

FAQs

What does "a big wrong" mean?

The phrase "a big wrong" typically refers to a significant error, mistake, or injustice. It's an informal way of emphasizing the seriousness or impact of something that went wrong.

What can I say instead of "a big wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious mistake", "a significant injustice", or "a major error" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "a big wrong" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "a big wrong" isn't strictly grammatically incorrect, it is considered informal. More formal alternatives might be preferable in certain writing contexts.

How do I use "a big wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "a big wrong" to describe an action or decision that has significant negative consequences. For example: "Ignoring the warning signs was "a big wrong" that led to the company's downfall."