come off wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"come off wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone's words or actions that were interpreted as offensive or incorrect. Example: I didn't mean to come off wrong but my comment was misinterpreted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"You can break it down any way you want to, and it may have come off wrong".

The New York Times - Sports

"Did it come off wrong?" Jackson asked rhetorically, referring to Randolph's comments.

The New York Times

Keep it short and sweet; a very elaborate compliment might come off wrong or be misinterpreted by her.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's why it comes off wrong or it's perceived wrong by some people.

The New York Times - Sports

My unfunny statement at the end likening McClure to Kanye West "Imma let you finish …" was meant to diffuse the situation, but ended up making it more awkward and coming off wrong out of context.

TechCrunch

"I don't want this to come off the wrong way.

The Guardian

When I try to explain myself or express myself, it seems to come off the wrong way.

The New Yorker

"When there are so many missed tackles you are going to come off the wrong side against a pretty good, committed Connacht side.

BBC

Coyle continued: "My concern is making sure the players are working their socks off for Bolton Wanderers, which they've done and they've come off the wrong side of some terrible decisions".

BBC

I've never worried about that in football". Coyle continued: "My concern is making sure the players are working their socks off for Bolton Wanderers, which they've done and they've come off the wrong side of some terrible decisions". Bolton were left to rue a controversial penalty call from referee Carl Boyeson that cost them a point at St Andrew's.

BBC

While you might never tweet, "Why isn't there a straight pride month?" even well-meaning straight people can come off the wrong way at Pride events.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you're concerned that something you said may "come off wrong", consider clarifying your intent immediately to prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Don't assume your audience will automatically understand the nuance behind your words or actions. If there's a risk of misinterpretation, proactively provide context to prevent your message from "coming off wrong".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come off wrong" functions as a phrasal verb combined with an adjective, indicating that something was perceived or interpreted in a negative or unintended way. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing it as a way to describe miscommunication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come off wrong" is a way to describe something that was misinterpreted or gave a negative impression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its use across diverse sources, including news outlets and wikis. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration is needed to ensure clear communication and avoid unintended offense. Understanding the nuances of how your message might be received is crucial to prevent it from "coming off wrong". Alternatives like "be misunderstood" or "give the wrong impression" offer similar meanings. This phrases isn't used much, so it's considered uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come across badly

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the negative impression made.

give the wrong impression

This alternative focuses on the act of creating a false or inaccurate perception.

be misinterpreted

This alternative is similar but emphasizes incorrect interpretation.

be perceived negatively

This alternative highlights the negative reception or judgment by others.

be misunderstood

This alternative is more general and focuses on the lack of correct understanding.

not land well

This alternative means the message was not well received.

be poorly received

This alternative emphasizes the unwelcome or unfavorable reaction to something.

sound bad

This alternative is less formal and more direct, focusing on the negative auditory impression.

make a poor showing

This alternative focuses on performance and the act of presenting oneself or something else in a negative light.

fall flat

This alternative suggests a lack of impact or success, often in the context of jokes or performances.

FAQs

How can I prevent my message from "coming off wrong"?

Consider your audience and tailor your communication to their understanding and sensitivities. Providing context and being mindful of your tone can help prevent misinterpretations.

What does it mean when someone says something "came off wrong"?

It means their words or actions were misinterpreted or perceived negatively, contrary to their intention. It implies a disconnect between the intended message and its reception.

What are some alternatives to saying "come off wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "give the wrong impression", "be misunderstood", or "be poorly received" to convey a similar meaning.

In what situations is it most important to avoid "coming off wrong"?

It's crucial to avoid "coming off wrong" in professional settings, sensitive discussions, or when interacting with diverse audiences. Clear and empathetic communication is key in these situations.