altogether incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altogether incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely wrong or inaccurate. Example: "The information provided in the report was altogether incorrect, leading to significant misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's easy (and not altogether incorrect) to denigrate much of the blathering that occurs each day in blogs and tweets.

The New York Times - Books

Altogether, incorrect annotations of 41 genes originating from substitutions, deletions or insertions of single nucleotides could be improved by manual revision of gene models.

BMC Genomics

Together, these rate differences at the gene and species levels may increase long-branch-attraction (LBA between the two fast-evolving groups) thus causing weaker support for fungal monophyly and the nucleariid-fungal sister relationship, or predicting altogether incorrect phylogenetic relationships.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Marc Andreessen: Completely, completely incorrect.

TechCrunch

"Totally incorrect," Mr. Taylor persisted.

The New York Times

Entirely incorrect.

Huffington Post

That is completely incorrect!

Vice

Altogether, 906 incorrect gene models were improved based on our RNA-Seq data, which defines a fraction of 7.3% of incorrect gene models deposited in the published annotation of C. graminicola.

BMC Genomics

It's best to avoid anything resembling an insult or a sarcastic tone altogether, and if it's politically incorrect, volatile, or gossip, don't say it.

WikiHow

(Update: We originally reported that, altogether, Fieldwire has raised $7.7 million, which is incorrect; we didn't realize the company had folded earlier seed funding into this larger round).

TechCrunch

The last thing you want to have happen is to write an excellent memo and then have incorrect contact information or have that information missing altogether.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "altogether incorrect" to emphasize the comprehensive nature of an error or inaccuracy. This phrasing adds a degree of formality and strength to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "altogether incorrect" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal or pedantic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "completely wrong" or "totally incorrect" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altogether incorrect" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "incorrect." It emphasizes the complete and total inaccuracy of something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples show it used to refute statements and correct misinformation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "altogether incorrect" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to indicate something is entirely inaccurate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it is most often found in news, media and scientific publications. The phrase serves to emphatically correct or deny information, providing a stronger emphasis on the complete inaccuracy. When writing, be mindful of your tone and audience, as there are several ways to express a similar meaning with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely wrong

This alternative is more direct and straightforward, lacking the nuance that "altogether incorrect" provides.

entirely wrong

This alternative emphasizes the completeness of the error, similar to "altogether incorrect".

completely inaccurate

This alternative emphasizes the lack of precision and correctness, mirroring the meaning of "altogether incorrect".

totally wrong

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the complete absence of correctness.

utterly false

This alternative implies a strong sense of falsehood and deception, going beyond mere inaccuracy.

wholly inaccurate

This alternative underscores the complete lack of accuracy, providing a formal tone.

flatly wrong

This alternative suggests a blunt and unyielding incorrectness, providing a stronger emphasis.

patently false

This alternative suggests that the incorrectness is obvious and easily recognized.

categorically untrue

This alternative signifies a firm and decisive denial of truth.

demonstrably false

This alternative indicates that the incorrectness can be proven through evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "altogether incorrect" in a sentence?

You can use "altogether incorrect" to describe information or statements that are completely wrong. For example: "The initial assessment of the situation was "altogether incorrect", leading to a series of missteps."

What are some alternatives to "altogether incorrect"?

Alternatives to "altogether incorrect" include "completely wrong", "entirely inaccurate", or "totally false". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "altogether incorrect" the same as "completely incorrect"?

While similar, "altogether incorrect" often carries a slightly stronger emphasis on the comprehensive nature of the error compared to "completely incorrect". Both are acceptable, but "altogether" can add a touch more formality.

When is it appropriate to use "altogether incorrect"?

It's appropriate to use "altogether incorrect" in situations where you want to strongly emphasize the inaccuracy or incorrectness of something, particularly in formal writing or professional settings. It is best used when pointing out something that is undeniably and thoroughly wrong.