are heading in the wrong direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are heading in the wrong direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is moving towards an undesirable or incorrect outcome. Example: "If we continue to ignore the feedback from our customers, we are heading in the wrong direction with our product development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Current White House plans to bypass the U.N. are heading in the wrong direction.

The New York Times

Indeed, most policies and spending plans are heading in the wrong direction.

The Guardian

"There's clearly a consensus that things are heading in the wrong direction," Mr. Bacevich said.

The New York Times

The economy is beginning to recover, but for people on low incomes, the forecasts are heading in the wrong direction".

Independent

"They are heading in the wrong direction," said Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, who said she could not back the present measure.

The New York Times

On some aims, the ODI finds that current global trends are heading in the wrong direction, so success in meeting them would require a complete reversal.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Overwhelming numbers believe that we are headed in the wrong direction.

The New York Times

Just 36percentt still think things are going well, while 56percentthinknk things are headed in the wrong direction.

The New York Times

If you are having these discussions with your broker, you are headed in the wrong direction.

Huffington Post

Unfortunately, instead of making progress, we are headed in the wrong direction...up until today.

Huffington Post

We're heading in the wrong direction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are heading in the wrong direction", ensure the subject and context are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Things are heading in the wrong direction", specify "The company's marketing strategy is heading in the wrong direction."

Common error

Avoid using "are heading in the wrong direction" as a vague, standalone statement. Always provide context or a specific subject to which the phrase applies. Saying simply "We are heading in the wrong direction" lacks impact without indicating what "we" refers to or what the "wrong direction" entails.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are heading in the wrong direction" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express disapproval or concern about the current course of action or progress. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are heading in the wrong direction" is a common and versatile idiomatic expression used to express concern or disapproval about a current trajectory. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Formal & Business and Scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject and context. Alternatives such as "are on the wrong track" or "are going astray" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are on the wrong track

Highlights that current actions will not lead to the desired outcome.

are going astray

Emphasizes a deviation from a correct or intended course.

are on a collision course

Emphasizes an inevitable negative outcome if current actions continue.

are moving backwards

Focuses on the idea of regressing or losing progress.

are going downhill

Suggests a rapid and continuous decline.

are deteriorating

Stresses a decline in quality or condition.

are worsening

Indicates that a situation is becoming more negative or problematic.

are losing ground

Focuses on the idea of losing an advantage or position.

are failing

Highlights a lack of success or achievement.

are not progressing

Highlights the lack of forward movement or improvement.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "heading in the wrong direction"?

When something is described as "heading in the wrong direction", it means it's moving towards an undesirable or incorrect outcome. It suggests a deviation from a correct or preferred path.

How can I use "are heading in the wrong direction" in a sentence?

You can use "are heading in the wrong direction" to express concern or criticism about the course of action someone or something is taking. For example: "If we continue to ignore customer feedback, we "are heading in the wrong direction" with our product development."

What are some alternatives to saying "are heading in the wrong direction"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are on the wrong track", "are going astray", or "are deteriorating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "are heading in the wrong direction" formal or informal?

The phrase "are heading in the wrong direction" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and everyday conversations.