anything go wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything go wrong" is grammatically incorrect.
The correct way to phrase it would be "anything can go wrong." This phrase can be used in various situations, such as when discussing potential problems or issues. For example: "When planning a wedding, it's important to consider all the details and prepare for anything that can go wrong."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How could anything go wrong?

The New York Times

Did anything go wrong at your wedding?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I never have anything go wrong," he said later.

The New York Times - Magazine

There's little chance that anything go wrong with the upgrade.

Independent

COMPANIES are now tweaking their logistics to give themselves more flexibility should anything go wrong.

The Economist

You wouldn't expect to see anything go wrong for any of them.

The Guardian - Sport

"Did anything go wrong?" said a spokesman for Mr. Clinton, Jake Seiwert.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, April 3 , 1995P. 94 Why should anything go wrong in our bodies?

The New Yorker

When using a new technology, people want to know that they will be supported and protected should anything go wrong.

Harvard Business Review

The process has been designed to be super-easy with new guarantees in place should anything go wrong.

The Guardian - Money

By Elizabeth Spires The New Yorker, April 3 , 1995P. 94 Why should anything go wrong in our bodies?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always include a modal verb such as "can", "could", or "might" to make the phrase grammatically correct (e.g., "anything can go wrong").

Common error

Avoid using "anything go wrong" without a modal verb. This omission results in grammatically incorrect sentences. Remember to include a helping verb to express possibility or condition correctly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything go wrong" functions as part of a clause expressing potential problems or issues. Though grammatically incorrect on its own, it conveys a conditional or hypothetical situation. Ludwig AI confirms it requires a modal verb like 'can', 'could', or 'might' to be grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "anything go wrong" is frequently used, it's grammatically incorrect without a modal verb. As Ludwig AI points out, adding "can", "could", or "might" corrects the grammar. It is used in diverse contexts, especially News & Media and Wiki, to express potential problems or encourage planning. Remember to include a modal verb to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anything can go wrong

Adds the modal verb "can" to correct the grammar and indicate possibility.

something might go wrong

Substitutes "anything" with "something" and uses "might" for a slightly less definite possibility.

if something goes wrong

Introduces a conditional clause to emphasize a potential problem.

should anything go wrong

Uses an inversion for a more formal and conditional expression.

what if something goes wrong

Poses a question about potential problems, adding a sense of worry or concern.

is there anything that could go wrong

Asks directly about potential problems, inviting consideration of possible issues.

any potential issues arising

Rephrases the idea using more formal vocabulary and focusing on the emergence of problems.

potential problems occurring

Focuses on the actual occurrence of problems, rather than the possibility.

if problems arise

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the possibility of issues occurring.

if complications develop

Uses "complications" to refer to problems, suggesting a more complex situation.

FAQs

How to correctly phrase "anything go wrong" in a sentence?

The grammatically correct way to phrase it is to add a modal verb. For example, use "anything can go wrong" or "anything could go wrong".

What does "anything go wrong" mean?

It implies the possibility of problems or errors occurring. It's often used to consider potential issues and plan for contingencies. Using it correctly requires adding a modal verb, such as "can" or "might."

What can I say instead of "anything go wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "if something goes wrong", "should anything go wrong", or "any potential issues arising" depending on the context.

Is "anything go wrong" grammatically correct?

No, "anything go wrong" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing requires a modal verb, such as "can", "could", or "might". Therefore, you should say "anything can go wrong".