anything going wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything going wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about potential issues or problems that may arise in a situation or process. Example: "If you notice anything going wrong during the project, please let me know immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Anything going wrong with it must be a woman's fault.

The Guardian

That's not anything going wrong in my life.

The Guardian - Film

"At that point I hadn't actually experienced anything going wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each of his parties is a happening, with rarely anything going wrong.

The New York Times

Fatigue can lead to anything going wrong in any of those processes," she said.

The Guardian

Ballet: I adore traditional ballet and 'La Fille Mal Gardée' is like 'Giselle' without anything going wrong.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

How could anything go wrong?

The New York Times

Has anything gone wrong since Euro 2016?

The Guardian - Sport

Did anything go wrong at your wedding?

The Guardian - Opinion

If anything went wrong, it could ruin the event.

The New York Times

And if anything goes wrong you can't stop it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anything going wrong" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what 'anything' refers to. For instance, specify "anything going wrong with the project timeline" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "anything going wrong" excessively in formal documents. Opt for more precise alternatives like "potential complications" or "foreseeable issues" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything going wrong" functions as a general inquiry about potential problems or issues in a particular situation or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and usable expression. It serves to prompt someone to report any difficulties they may be encountering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

19%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anything going wrong" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for inquiring about potential problems. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While it is versatile, it's essential to consider the context, favoring more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. Its prevalence in news, media, and scientific domains underscores its broad applicability. Understanding its function, purpose, and potential alternatives enhances effective communication. The phrase is very common with various usage examples across several categories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any potential problems

Focuses on the possibility of problems occurring.

any possible issues

Highlights the chance of encountering difficulties.

any foreseeable complications

Emphasizes complications that can be anticipated.

any emerging difficulties

Points out the emergence of problems.

any adverse events

Refers to unfavorable occurrences.

any untoward incidents

Suggests unexpected and unwelcome events.

any glitches occurring

Implies minor malfunctions or errors.

any hitches arising

Highlights small, temporary setbacks.

any snags developing

Refers to unexpected obstacles that may slow progress.

any setbacks happening

Focuses on reversals or delays in progress.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "anything going wrong" in a more formal way?

In professional settings, you can use phrases such as "potential issues arising", "any foreseeable complications", or "any adverse events" to replace "anything going wrong". These alternatives offer a more precise and formal tone.

What's the difference between "anything going wrong" and "anything goes wrong"?

"Anything going wrong" refers to a continuous or ongoing situation, while "anything goes wrong" describes a single, completed event. The former implies a process where issues may currently be developing, and the latter signifies that an issue has already occurred.

Is "anything going wrong" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "anything going wrong" may be too informal for certain academic contexts. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "potential complications" or "emerging difficulties" to maintain an appropriate tone.

What are some situations where it's best to avoid using "anything going wrong"?

Avoid using "anything going wrong" in highly formal or technical documents where precision is paramount. In such cases, opt for more specific and descriptive language to clearly convey potential issues or problems.