an incorrect answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incorrect answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response or solution that is not accurate or does not meet the required standards. Example: "After reviewing the test results, I realized that I had provided an incorrect answer to the math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An additional 31% of students chose an incorrect answer despite offering correct or mixed forms of reasoning.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The self-test is to prevent information from one area generating an incorrect answer in another.

The New York Times

They also appear to have given an incorrect answer to my parliamentary question.

The Guardian

Perhaps you're worried that if you ask, you'll get an incorrect answer.

Independent

If they scratch off an incorrect answer, they continue discussing until they have the right answer.

Yale University

If you inadvertently gave an incorrect answer, follow the suggestions above to correct it asap.

University of California, Berkeley

Every time the student gave an incorrect answer to a question, the subject was ordered to deliver a shock.

The New York Times

Think carefully before you respond, because an incorrect answer could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The New York Times

For the last question, rather than giving an incorrect answer, he showed no brain activity at all.

MIT Technology Review

Every time I called and entered my answers on the phone's key pad, a recording would announce, "I'm sorry, that was an incorrect answer".

The New York Times - Style

That's an incorrect answer.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, explicitly label any flawed results or calculations as "an incorrect answer" before presenting corrected analyses.

Common error

Avoid labeling a partially correct or imprecise answer as "an incorrect answer". Instead, acknowledge the partial correctness and guide towards greater accuracy. Acknowledge if the answer needs more specific data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incorrect answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig shows many examples in academic, news and media, and everyday conversational contexts. It identifies a response that does not align with established facts or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an incorrect answer" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a response that is not accurate. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts, including science, news media, and academia. While alternatives like "a wrong response" or "an erroneous solution" exist, the original phrase remains a clear and versatile option. When using the phrase, ensure that the error is clearly identified and, when possible, provide the correct information. While typically neutral, the context can influence formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wrong response

This alternative uses 'wrong' instead of 'incorrect', making it slightly less formal.

an inaccurate response

Substitutes "incorrect" with "inaccurate", emphasizing a lack of precision rather than a complete error.

a mistaken answer

Replaces "incorrect" with "mistaken", implying an unintentional error.

a false reply

Replaces "incorrect" with "false" and "answer" with "reply", suggesting a deliberate untruth or error.

an erroneous solution

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "incorrect" with "erroneous" and "answer" with "solution", appropriate for technical contexts.

an invalid result

Changes "answer" to "result" and "incorrect" to "invalid", suitable in scientific or mathematical scenarios.

a flawed response

Emphasizes that the answer has defects or weaknesses.

a not-right answer

A simple and direct way of saying that the answer is not correct.

an off-target response

This implies that the response completely missed the point or relevant information.

a deceptive response

It implies that the answer is intended to mislead or deceive.

FAQs

How can I use "an incorrect answer" in a sentence?

You can use "an incorrect answer" to describe a response that is not correct. For example: "The student provided "an incorrect answer" on the test."

What are some alternatives to "an incorrect answer"?

Some alternatives to "an incorrect answer" include "a wrong response", "a false reply", or "an erroneous solution".

Is it better to say "incorrect answer" or "wrong answer"?

Both "incorrect answer" and "wrong answer" are acceptable, but "incorrect answer" is generally considered more formal. The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "an incorrect answer" and "an incomplete answer"?

"An incorrect answer" means the response given is factually wrong. "An incomplete answer", on the other hand, means the response is missing information or is not fully developed, but may contain some correct elements.