an incorrect statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incorrect statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when identifying or discussing a statement that is not accurate or true. Example: "The claim that the Earth is flat is an incorrect statement that has been debunked by science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Quicken 2002 for the Macintosh admits to generating an "Incorrect Statement Ending Balance" when reconciling a mutual fund account.

The New York Times - Tech

This article was amended on 13 December 2011 to remove an incorrect statement that Vladimir Terluk appeared on Russian TV and claimed that Boris Berezovsky killed Alexander Litvinenko.

The Guardian

This story was amended on 23 December 2015 to remove an incorrect statement that Australian senator Cory Bernardi was an opponent of immigration to that country.

The Guardian

This article was amended on 9 May 2016 to remove an incorrect statement in a quote that the HSCIC approves data-sharing agreements.

The Guardian - Tech

This article was amended on 19 April 2015, to remove an incorrect statement that Batman v Superman was a Sony film.

The Guardian - Film

This article was amended on 13 February 2019 to remove an incorrect statement about the amount of wilderness land protected in Utah.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Why do some listeners fail to notice when a politician makes a blatantly incorrect statement?

Duke University

"Sometimes people refer to us as mathcore, which I think is a very incorrect statement, because I feel like that's a very pre-calculated, 'this is weird because this time signature doesn't go with this time…'.

Wikipedia

It's a factually incorrect statement, for sure.

The Washington Post

There are minor typographical mistakes as well as a few incorrect statements, such as in chapter 1, page 6, where the author refers to past public health efforts to eradicate viruses.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

His politically incorrect statement concerning words between players are minor in comparison.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an incorrect statement" when you want to point out an inaccuracy without necessarily implying intentional deception.

Common error

While "incorrect" is suitable for many situations, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise terms like "fallacious", "unsubstantiated", or "invalid" depending on the specific nature of the error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incorrect statement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI, it's used to identify something that is not accurate or true. For example, 'This article was amended... to remove an incorrect statement'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an incorrect statement" functions as a noun phrase used to identify inaccuracies without necessarily implying malicious intent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and sees common usage across varied sources and registers. Predominantly featured in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific domains, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone. Consider alternatives such as "a false claim" or "an inaccurate assertion" depending on the desired nuance. When employing the phrase, focus on the statement itself and avoid making personal attacks, while remembering to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a false claim

Focuses on the falsity of the assertion, rather than simply its incorrectness.

an inaccurate assertion

More formal and emphasizes the lack of precision or correctness.

a misleading statement

Highlights the potential to deceive or cause confusion.

an untrue declaration

Emphasizes the lack of truthfulness in a formal manner.

a factual error

Specifically points out a mistake related to facts.

a flawed statement

Highlights the presence of a defect or imperfection in the statement.

an erroneous statement

A more formal way of saying that a statement contains an error.

a mistaken statement

Suggests the statement was made due to a misunderstanding or error in judgment.

a distorted account

Implies that the statement has been twisted or misrepresented.

a fabricated story

Indicates the statement is completely invented or made up.

FAQs

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

You can use "an incorrect statement" to identify something that is wrong or inaccurate. For example: "The report contained "an incorrect statement" about the company's profits."

What are some alternatives to "an incorrect statement"?

Some alternatives to "an incorrect statement" include "a false claim", "an inaccurate assertion", or "a misleading statement".

Is there a difference between "an incorrect statement" and "a false statement"?

While similar, "an incorrect statement" simply indicates an error, whereas "a false statement" often implies an intention to deceive. So, "a false statement" is usually a stronger accusation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an incorrect statement"?

It is appropriate to use "an incorrect statement" when you want to point out an inaccuracy or error without necessarily implying that the person making the statement is being dishonest or malicious. For example: "After reviewing the data, it became clear that the initial report contained "an incorrect statement"."