distinctly wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is clearly or obviously incorrect. Example: "The calculations in the report were distinctly wrong, leading to significant errors in the final results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Still, no ballet choreographer loses more than Balanchine by being accompanied by recorded sound: both the source and the texture of the music feel distinctly wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

"I don't think my reputation is under threat and to imply otherwise is distinctly wrong.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Weighing up the various claims and counter-claims, Liberum Capital said that despite putting forward some "fair" arguments, Simon looked "distinctly wrong-footed".

Independent

As it is all relative to each person there is no distinctly right or wrong, there is simply ones that will be effective and ones that won't.

WikiHow

But even in this futuristic environment there was something about life at Tesla that seemed distinctly atavistic — and deeply wrong.

The New Yorker

It sounds a bit wrong, but I distinctly remember the first time I had a hangover herring.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Adults are not so comfortable: as if caught out by a freak snowstorm in the wrong shoes, several are picking a distinctly wobbly way over the crunchy, uneven surface, suddenly looking out of place in autumnal London clothes.

The Guardian - Arts

That working class, black parents can get their priorities wrong in terms of material possession is a distinctly human trait not confined to our community.

The Guardian

I distinctly remember a kid telling me that being gay was wrong because The Bible said so.

Huffington Post

I think it'll be a fun bi-play to see these two characters together; they both have distinctly different world views while caring deeply about right and wrong.

Huffington Post

I don't think this is wrong, exactly, but I suspect that the search for safety is a distinctly secondary factor here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctly wrong" to add emphasis when you want to express that something is not just wrong, but noticeably and clearly so. It's particularly effective in contexts where a nuanced or subtle indication of error is insufficient.

Common error

While "distinctly wrong" is acceptable, be mindful of its slightly informal tone. In highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "patently incorrect" or "demonstrably false" to maintain a more serious and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly wrong" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the incorrectness of something, making it clear and undeniable. It typically modifies statements, assumptions or ideas that are manifestly flawed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinctly wrong" is used to emphasize that something is clearly and obviously incorrect. While grammatically sound and supported by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare. Its primary contexts are in news and media. For more formal settings, alternatives like "patently incorrect" or "demonstrably false" might be more appropriate. Always consider the level of emphasis and formality needed in your writing when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently incorrect

Emphasizes obvious incorrectness.

clearly mistaken

Highlights a clear error in judgment or understanding.

obviously flawed

Focuses on the presence of a clear defect or problem.

blatantly false

Stresses an open and unashamed untruth.

decidedly inappropriate

Shifts focus to the unsuitability of something.

unquestionably erroneous

Highlights the absence of doubt regarding the mistake.

plainly inaccurate

Emphasizes the clear lack of accuracy.

strikingly amiss

Emphasizes that something feels out of place or wrong in a noticeable way.

markedly incorrect

Highlights a noticeable level of incorrectness.

noticeably off

Suggests a deviation from what is expected or correct that is easy to spot.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinctly wrong" to emphasize that something is clearly incorrect. For example: "The assumption that all swans are white is "distinctly wrong", as black swans exist in Australia."

What phrases are similar to "distinctly wrong"?

Similar phrases include "patently incorrect", "clearly mistaken", and "obviously flawed". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "distinctly wrong" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "distinctly wrong" might be perceived as slightly informal for highly formal contexts. In such cases, consider alternatives like "demonstrably false" or "patently incorrect".

What's the difference between "distinctly wrong" and "slightly wrong"?

"Distinctly wrong" implies a clear and obvious error, whereas "slightly wrong" suggests a minor or insignificant inaccuracy. The choice depends on the magnitude of the error you want to describe.