completely wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is completely wrong or incorrect. For example: "She said that I was wrong, but I knew I was completely wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is completely wrong.

The New York Times

He's completely wrong".

The Economist

"They were completely wrong".

The New York Times

"Unfortunately it's completely wrong".

Independent

I was completely wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

He was completely wrong.

The Guardian - Film

"It was completely wrong".

The New York Times

They weren't completely wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was completely wrong.

The Washington Post

"He is completely wrong.

The Washington Post

"That was completely wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely wrong" to emphasize the magnitude of an error or misconception. It is suitable when you want to express a strong disagreement or point out a significant factual inaccuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "completely wrong" in contexts where a milder expression of disagreement is sufficient. Overuse can weaken your argument and make you appear overly critical. Consider the audience and purpose when choosing this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "completely wrong" is to act as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It intensifies the adjective "wrong", indicating a high degree of error or inaccuracy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is both correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completely wrong" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize a high degree of inaccuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it serves the purpose of strongly disagreeing or pointing out factual errors. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and audience to avoid sounding overly critical. Considering alternatives like ""utterly incorrect"" or ""entirely mistaken"" can help refine the tone and maintain professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly incorrect

Uses "utterly" instead of "completely" to intensify the wrongness, implying a total lack of correctness.

entirely mistaken

Replaces "wrong" with "mistaken", shifting the focus to the person making the error rather than the error itself.

patently false

Substitutes "wrong" with "false" and "completely" with "patently", suggesting the error is obvious and easily demonstrable.

wholly inaccurate

Employs "wholly" and "inaccurate" to convey the idea of complete lack of accuracy.

absolutely erroneous

Replaces both words to indicate a definitive and undeniable mistake.

dead wrong

An idiomatic expression that vividly emphasizes the incorrectness, indicating a strong disagreement.

categorically incorrect

Expresses that something is wrong without exception, in an assertive manner.

demonstrably untrue

Indicates that something can be proven to be not in accordance with fact or reality.

in complete error

Emphasizes the state of being wrong, focusing on the condition of inaccuracy.

wide of the mark

An idiomatic expression highlighting that something is far from the correct answer or assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "completely wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "completely wrong" to strongly negate a statement or idea. For example, "His assumptions about the project were "completely wrong", leading to significant setbacks."

What are some alternatives to saying "completely wrong"?

Alternatives include "utterly incorrect", "entirely mistaken", or "patently false". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "completely wrong" too harsh for professional communication?

While generally acceptable, "completely wrong" might be perceived as harsh in some professional settings. Consider softening the phrase with alternatives like "not entirely accurate" or "somewhat mistaken" depending on the situation.

What's the difference between "completely wrong" and "partially wrong"?

"Completely wrong" means that something is entirely incorrect, with no element of truth. "Partially wrong" indicates that some aspects are correct, but others are not. The choice depends on the degree of inaccuracy.