all goes wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all goes wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where everything is not going as planned or is failing. Example: "Despite our best efforts, it seems that all goes wrong whenever we try to implement the new system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, it all goes wrong?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is where it all goes wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

From that moment it all goes wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

What happens when it all goes wrong?

The Guardian - Money

Except it all goes wrong, somehow.

The Guardian - Arts

"Without that, it all goes wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And what if it all goes wrong, as it might?

The Economist

And then, as you approach 30, it all goes wrong.

Independent

I could do Freddy Krueger if it all goes wrong".

The Guardian

But what happens if it all goes wrong?

The Guardian - Money

That second meaning — the one that packs an emotional punch — is where it all goes wrong.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all goes wrong" to describe a situation where a series of events leads to an undesirable outcome, particularly when emphasizing a cascading effect.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, "all goes wrong" can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "circumstances deteriorated" or "the project failed" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all goes wrong" typically functions as a clause within a larger sentence, often serving as the predicate to describe a negative outcome or the failure of a plan. Ludwig examples show its use across various domains. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all goes wrong" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the failure of a plan or series of events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it may be too informal for highly academic or professional settings. Alternatives like "everything falls apart" or "things go awry" can offer nuanced variations. The expression effectively conveys a negative culmination or undesired outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything falls apart

Emphasizes a complete breakdown or failure of a situation.

things go awry

Highlights a deviation from the intended or expected course.

it all falls through

Indicates that a plan or agreement fails to materialize.

disaster strikes

Focuses on a sudden and calamitous event.

things take a turn for the worse

Suggests a negative change in circumstances.

the plan unravels

Implies a gradual disintegration of a carefully constructed plan.

the worst happens

Highlights the realization of the most feared or negative outcome.

it hits the fan

Indicates a situation where problems become public and create a crisis.

chaos ensues

Suggests a state of complete disorder and confusion.

the wheels come off

Implies a loss of control and imminent failure.

FAQs

How can I use "all goes wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "all goes wrong" to describe a situation where a plan or series of events leads to failure. For example: "If the negotiations fail, it "all goes wrong" and we lose the deal."

What are some alternatives to "all goes wrong"?

Alternatives to "all goes wrong" include phrases like "everything falls apart", "things go awry", or "it all falls through", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "all goes wrong"?

Yes, "all goes wrong" is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used to describe a scenario where plans or actions lead to an undesirable outcome.

What's the difference between "all goes wrong" and "everything goes wrong"?

While both phrases are similar, "all goes wrong" often implies a connected series of events leading to a negative result, whereas "everything goes wrong" suggests a broader, more encompassing failure. They are largely interchangeable but can subtly shift the emphasis.