a little wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is slightly incorrect or not entirely accurate. Example: "The answer you provided is a little wrong; it should be 42 instead of 24."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

What is this?" It just seemed a little wrong.

The New York Times

And it's not as if we were a little wrong.

The New Yorker

3.51am GMT That all just feels a little wrong, right?

The Guardian - Music

And not just a little wrong, but really, really wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I guess it was a little wrong," Alam concedes.

The New Yorker

Even if there was some good attention, something always went a little wrong".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

If Kerbie was a little wrong-footed to be confronted by a bald, overweight, 43-year-old man, he certainly didn't show it.

The Guardian

A few years ago, the Lib Dems were a little wrong-footed by the rise of Tony Blair, worried that he might steal their clothes.

The Guardian

Not a little bit wrong, not debatably wrong demonstrably and conclusively wrong.

The Economist

The public then perceived the C.I.A. as an organization that could do little wrong.

The New York Times - Style

"So I was a little bit wrong about that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little wrong" to soften criticism or indicate a minor error, rather than a complete falsehood. For example, instead of saying "Your calculation is wrong", try "Your calculation is a little wrong, but close."

Common error

In academic or professional writing, avoid overusing "a little wrong", as it can sound too casual. Opt for more precise language like "somewhat inaccurate" or "partially incorrect" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little wrong" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often implied). It indicates the degree to which something deviates from being correct. Ludwig examples show its broad applicability across different types of subjects, from calculations to feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little wrong" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a minor inaccuracy or error. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for general communication, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more precise language in formal or academic settings. Remember to use "a little wrong" to soften your message and acknowledge that the error isn't severe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly incorrect

Indicates a minor deviation from what is correct.

somewhat inaccurate

Suggests a degree of inexactness or lack of precision.

a bit off

An informal way of saying something is not quite right.

slightly mistaken

Implies an error in understanding or judgment.

not entirely correct

A more formal way of saying something isn't completely right.

a tad inaccurate

Uses "tad" to indicate a small degree of inaccuracy.

marginally false

Suggests a slight departure from the truth.

somewhat flawed

Indicates the presence of imperfections or defects.

slightly askew

Used to describe something that is not perfectly aligned or correct.

a shade off

Similar to "a bit off", indicating a small deviation from the expected.

FAQs

What does "a little wrong" mean?

The phrase "a little wrong" means something is slightly incorrect or not entirely accurate. It implies a minor error rather than a complete falsehood.

How can I use "a little wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "a little wrong" to soften criticism or indicate a minor mistake. For example: "The answer you provided is "slightly incorrect", but you're on the right track."

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

You can use alternatives like "somewhat inaccurate", "a bit off", or "slightly mistaken" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a little wrong" or "incorrect"?

"A little wrong" implies a minor error, while "incorrect" is a more general term. Use "a little wrong" when you want to be gentle or indicate the mistake is not significant; use "incorrect" when you want to be direct or emphasize the error.