can never go wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can never go wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone wants to suggest that an action or decision has a low possibility of being incorrect. For example, "Investing in real estate can never go wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You can never go wrong with stronger," she said.

The New Yorker

You can never go wrong requesting a flatbed truck.

The New York Times - Travel

"Mother intuition can never go wrong," he said.

The New York Times

In terms of color, "you can never go wrong with the classics," she said.

The New York Times

You can never go wrong backing people fighting to be free.

The New York Times

"You can never go wrong if you just drink your conscience, I always say".

The New Yorker

And as far as I'm concerned, you can never go wrong with potatoes.

The New York Times

But with André singing a song you can never go wrong.

The Guardian - Travel

You can never go wrong with a classic tuxedo, but I might wear colorful socks with it.

The New York Times - Magazine

She sometimes orders dessert before dinner because she emphatically believes "you can never go wrong with a root-beer float".

The New York Times - Arts

You can never go wrong with a blazer dress!

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can never go wrong" to confidently suggest a course of action, especially when offering advice or recommendations. For example, "When in doubt, you "can never go wrong" with a classic approach."

Common error

While "can never go wrong" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey certainty, such as "is highly reliable" or "demonstrates consistent success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can never go wrong" functions as a modal expression, indicating a high degree of certainty or confidence in a particular action or choice. Ludwig shows its frequent use in offering advice and recommendations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can never go wrong" is a powerful way to confidently recommend a course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media, as well as general advice contexts. While it might be too informal for academic papers, it's perfect for offering clear and persuasive recommendations in everyday communication. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "is a safe bet" or "is always a good idea" to keep the same tone of high certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a safe bet

Suggests a high likelihood of success or a minimal risk of failure.

is a sure thing

Emphasizes the certainty of a positive outcome.

is a guaranteed success

Highlights the assurance of achieving a favorable result.

is bound to work

Indicates a strong expectation of effectiveness.

is a foolproof plan

Suggests a plan that is immune to failure.

is a no-brainer

Implies the decision is so obvious it requires little thought.

is always a good idea

Suggests a consistently positive and beneficial action.

you can't lose

Highlights the absence of potential negative consequences.

is risk-free

Indicates the absence of any potential dangers or drawbacks.

is a winning strategy

Emphasizes the likelihood of achieving victory or success.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can never go wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "is a safe bet", "is a sure thing", or "is always a good idea" depending on the context.

Is "can never go wrong" too informal for professional writing?

While widely understood, "can never go wrong" is generally considered informal. For professional contexts, consider more precise alternatives that convey confidence without sounding colloquial.

What does it mean when someone says "you can't go wrong"?

It means that the suggested action or choice is considered highly reliable or effective, with minimal risk of negative consequences. It implies a high degree of confidence in the outcome.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "can never go wrong"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase "can never go wrong" in casual conversations, advice-giving scenarios, and situations where you want to confidently recommend a specific action or choice. However, avoid excessive use in formal or academic writing.