cannot be wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express certainty or confidence in the correctness of something, often in a context where there is a strong belief that a statement or action is accurate. Example: "Given the evidence presented, I believe my conclusion cannot be wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Fifty million Chinese cannot be wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cohen began singing "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong".

The New Yorker

It cannot be wrong, he says, to listen to what people want.

The Economist

"I thought a lot and came to believe what I do cannot be wrong.

Independent

Surely general relativity, one of the cornerstones of modern physics cannot be wrong on this point.

MIT Technology Review

Then again, all cannot be wrong with the world if tomorrow's Edisons are actually meeting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

It therefore cannot ever be wrong to assert that one is not a BIV, so that in this sense 'I am not a Bis' is an incorrigible claim (cf. Putnam 1981 14 155).

SEP

They cannot all be wrong.

HuffPost

The energy balance equation is based on fundamental physics and cannot itself be wrong, but its application in obesity research is increasingly considered problematic (Lustig, 2006; Taubes, 2008; Wells and Siervo, 2011).

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

If Kim thinks we are coming after him or his forces, he cannot afford to be wrong, and he cannot afford to launch second.

The Washington Post

"Experts that say PETN cannot be detected are wrong.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be wrong" to express strong conviction or certainty, particularly when emphasizing the reliability of information or the correctness of an action. Ensure the context supports such a strong assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be wrong" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly assertive or dogmatic. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "must be correct" or "is likely right" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be wrong" functions as a modal phrase expressing a strong degree of certainty or conviction. It asserts that something is not only correct but also that there's no possibility of it being incorrect. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to emphasize the reliability or infallibility of an idea, action or conclusion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be wrong" is a modal phrase used to express a high degree of certainty and conviction. Ludwig's examples, and the Ludwig AI response, confirm its frequent use across various authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While grammatically correct and commonly used, overusing it can make writing sound overly assertive. It's best practice to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "must be correct" or "is undoubtedly correct" when appropriate, especially to avoid sounding dogmatic. This phrase functions to persuade and reassure, frequently appearing in news, scientific and encyclopedic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be correct

Expresses a strong degree of certainty about the correctness of something.

is certainly right

Indicates a high level of confidence in someone or something's accuracy.

is undoubtedly correct

Emphasizes that something is correct without any doubt.

is definitely right

Suggests a firm and resolute belief in the correctness of something.

is unquestionably true

Highlights that something is true beyond any question or dispute.

is infallibly accurate

Implies a guaranteed accuracy without any possibility of error.

is beyond reproach

Suggests that something is so perfect that it cannot be criticized.

is unimpeachable

Indicates that something is so solid and reliable that it cannot be challenged.

is without a doubt correct

Reinforces the idea that something is correct and leaves no room for uncertainty.

is assuredly right

Stresses the confidence with which something is believed to be correct.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be wrong" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be wrong" to express a strong belief that something is correct. For example: "Given the evidence, their conclusion "cannot be wrong"".

What's a less assertive alternative to "cannot be wrong"?

If you want to sound less assertive, use alternatives like "is probably correct", "seems right", or "appears accurate" instead.

Is "cannot be wrong" formal or informal?

"Cannot be wrong" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of the writing. However, consider using a more nuanced phrase in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "cannot be wrong" and "must be right"?

"Cannot be wrong" implies an impossibility of being incorrect, while "must be right" suggests a very high probability of being correct. The former is a stronger assertion.