could be wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be wrong" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in spoken and written English.
It indicates doubt or uncertainty about the accuracy of a statement. Here are a few examples of when you could use it in a sentence: - "I think the meeting is at 10am, but I could be wrong." - "The recipe calls for baking powder, but it could be wrong and actually mean baking soda." - "I could be wrong, but I believe the store closes at 9pm on weekdays." - "The news article contains some information that could be wrong, so I suggest fact-checking before sharing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It could be wrong.

The Economist

What could be wrong?

The New York Times - Food

They could be wrong.

The New York Times

Or that could be wrong".

The New York Times

This could be wrong, obviously.

The New York Times

But I could be wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

They could be wrong again.

The Economist

Mr. Einhorn could be wrong.

The New York Times

The polls could be wrong.

The Guardian

We could be wrong.

The New York Times

That could be wrong".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be wrong" to express humility and openness to other perspectives, fostering more collaborative conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "could be wrong" excessively in a single piece of writing, as it can undermine your authority and make you seem unsure of your knowledge. Use it judiciously to acknowledge uncertainty without diminishing your overall credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be wrong" functions as a hedge, a linguistic device used to express uncertainty or tentativeness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it softens a statement, indicating that the speaker acknowledges the possibility of being incorrect. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be wrong" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey uncertainty and acknowledge the possibility of error. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across a wide range of contexts, predominantly in News & Media. Employing alternatives like "I might be mistaken" or "it's possible I'm wrong" can add nuance to your writing. Use this phrase to express humility and foster collaborative discussions, but avoid overuse to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I might be mistaken

Replaces "could" with "might" and "wrong" with "mistaken", offering a slightly more formal tone.

It's possible I'm wrong

Emphasizes the possibility of being incorrect.

I'm not sure I'm right

Indicates a lack of confidence in one's correctness.

I stand corrected

Implies an admission of error, suitable when already shown to be incorrect.

My information may be inaccurate

Focuses on the potential inaccuracy of the information provided.

Perhaps I am in error

A formal way of admitting potential fault or misjudgment.

I may have erred

Uses a more formal term, "erred", to indicate a mistake.

I wouldn't bet on it

Suggests uncertainty and a reluctance to strongly support the statement.

That's just my take

Indicates that the statement is a personal opinion and might not be accurate.

This is just my understanding

Highlights that the statement is based on personal interpretation and could be flawed.

FAQs

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

Use "could be wrong" to express uncertainty or acknowledge the possibility of error in a statement. For example, "I think the answer is C, but I "could be wrong"".

What are some alternatives to saying "could be wrong"?

Alternatives include "I might be mistaken", "I'm not sure I'm right", or "it's possible I'm wrong", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "could be wrong" or "might be wrong"?

Both "could be wrong" and "might be wrong" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to express, as "might" sometimes suggests a slightly lower probability.

When should I use "I could be wrong" versus "it could be wrong"?

"I could be wrong" is used when you are referring to your own potential for error. "It could be wrong" is used when referring to the potential for error in a piece of information or a general statement.