be misleading

USAGE SUMMARY

'be misleading' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that gives you a false impression or leads you to believe something that is not true. For example: "The statistics in the article were misleading and did not accurately reflect the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be misleading.

The Economist

That can be misleading.

The New York Times

Nomenclature can be misleading.

The Economist

That statement can be misleading.

The New York Times

Sometimes, statistics can be misleading.

The New York Times - Sports

Wall texts can be misleading.

The New York Times - Arts

The samples could be misleading.

The Economist

Guidance can be misleading.

The New York Times

But hindsight can be misleading.

The Economist

The label can be misleading.

The Economist

First impressions can be misleading.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be misleading", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect is giving a false or inaccurate impression. Provide details to support your claim and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid assuming malicious intent when something is "be misleading". Sometimes, information is unintentionally inaccurate or misinterpreted. Focus on clarifying the facts rather than assigning blame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be misleading" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective, serving to attribute a quality of deceptiveness or inaccuracy to a subject. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be misleading" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates the potential for deception or misinterpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and Ludwig's examples reveal its frequent use in news, science, and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify what aspect is inaccurate and avoid assuming malicious intent. Alternative phrases include "be deceptive" or "be inaccurate", depending on the intended nuance. Overall, understanding the function and appropriate usage of "be misleading" enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deceptive

This alternative focuses on the intent to deceive, implying a deliberate attempt to mislead.

be deceiving

Similar to 'be deceptive', it highlights the act of causing someone to believe something that is not true.

be inaccurate

This suggests a lack of correctness or precision, without necessarily implying an intention to mislead.

be confusing

This emphasizes the potential to cause bewilderment or lack of clarity.

be fallacious

This indicates the presence of a logical flaw or error in reasoning.

be specious

This suggests that something appears to be true but is actually false or misleading.

be dishonest

This focuses on the lack of integrity and truthfulness.

be wrong

This is a general term indicating an error or incorrectness.

be incorrect

Similar to 'be wrong', but slightly more formal and specific.

be misguided

This implies that something is based on faulty judgment or reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "be misleading" in a sentence?

You can use "be misleading" to describe information, statistics, appearances, or anything that presents a false or inaccurate impression. For example: "The advertisement's claims can "be misleading" without further context."

What are some alternatives to "be misleading"?

Alternatives include "be deceptive", "be inaccurate", "be confusing", or "be fallacious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "be misleading" and "be deceptive"?

"Be misleading" suggests that something gives a false impression, whether intentionally or unintentionally. "Be deceptive", on the other hand, implies a deliberate attempt to deceive or mislead.

Is it always negative to say something can "be misleading"?

Not necessarily. While "be misleading" often carries a negative connotation, it can also be used neutrally to point out potential misinterpretations or unintentional inaccuracies without implying fault or malice.