be wrong about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be wrong about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that a statement or belief is incorrect. For example, "I'm afraid you're wrong about the store closing early today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We can be wrong about other things.

The New Yorker

But I could be wrong about that.

The New Yorker

But I might be wrong about that.

The New York Times

And I may be wrong about that.

The Economist

I could be wrong about that.

The New Yorker

and be wrong about that too.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

He was wrong about supermarkets.

The New Yorker

I was wrong about that.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was wrong about Fumiko.

The New Yorker

She was wrong about that.

The Economist

He was wrong about that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be wrong about" to express a specific error in understanding or judgment, avoiding vagueness. For instance, instead of saying "I was wrong", specify what you were wrong about: "I was wrong about the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "be wrong about" without clarifying the subject of the error. Simply stating "You're wrong" can be confrontational and unhelpful. Instead, provide context: "You're wrong about the meeting time; it's at 3 PM not 2 PM."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wrong about" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a state of incorrectness or misjudgment regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where the phrase indicates a deviation from accuracy or truth. The phrase is typically followed by a noun or pronoun indicating the subject of the error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be wrong about" is a common and grammatically sound way to express incorrectness or misjudgment regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles, from formal reports to casual conversations. When writing, it's best to provide context to clarify the subject of the error, avoiding vague or confrontational statements. Consider alternatives such as "be mistaken regarding" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be mistaken regarding

Replaces "wrong" with "mistaken" and "about" with "regarding", offering a slightly more formal tone.

have an incorrect understanding of

Substitutes the phrase with a more descriptive expression focusing on comprehension.

be in error concerning

Uses "in error" instead of "wrong" and "concerning" for "about", making it sound more formal and precise.

misjudge the situation with

Emphasizes the act of misjudgment rather than simply being incorrect.

draw an incorrect conclusion about

Focuses on the flawed reasoning process leading to the wrong conclusion.

get the wrong end of the stick regarding

An idiomatic expression indicating misunderstanding, particularly common in British English.

have a false impression of

Highlights the deceptive nature of the incorrect belief.

not have the right information concerning

Points out a lack of accurate information as the cause of being wrong.

be off the mark with respect to

Uses a more figurative expression indicating a deviation from the correct assessment.

miscalculate the outcome of

Focuses on an incorrect calculation or prediction.

FAQs

How can I use "be wrong about" in a sentence?

You can use "be wrong about" to express that someone has an incorrect understanding or assessment of something. For example, "I might "be wrong about" the details, but I'm sure of the general idea."

What's the difference between "be wrong about" and "be mistaken about"?

"Be wrong about" and "be mistaken about" are often interchangeable, but "be mistaken about" might imply a more passive or unintentional error. For instance, you could "be mistaken about" a person's identity, but "be wrong about" a strategic decision.

What can I say instead of "be wrong about"?

You can use alternatives like "be mistaken regarding", "have an incorrect understanding of", or "be in error concerning" depending on the level of formality you desire.

When is it appropriate to use "be wrong about" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "be wrong about" in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing, whenever you need to express that an idea, belief, or assessment is incorrect. Just ensure the context is clear. However, consider using alternative phrases such as "misjudge the situation with" in order not to sound redundant.