does something wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"does something wrong" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that is not correct or appropriate. Example: "She always does something wrong and ends up getting in trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The defendant does something wrong.

Harvard University

But what if he does something wrong?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The one who does something wrong can be sorry.

The New York Times

We know the routine: The person does something wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

"One person does something wrong and that becomes our image.

The Guardian

If someone does something wrong, Ms. Parker said, "deal with it in the moment".

The New York Times

When one of your children does something wrong, you don't punish the other one".

The New York Times - Sports

"The first time a child does something wrong, we regard it as a mistake," she says.

The Guardian

"When a religious person does something wrong, people get particularly upset," Rabbi Wolpe said.

The New York Times

If another player does something wrong he will have the same treatment.

Independent

When a dolphin does something wrong, the trainer doesn't respond in any way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does something wrong", consider the context and choose a more specific verb if possible. For example, instead of "He does something wrong at work", try "He violates company policy at work" for clarity.

Common error

While acceptable, "does something wrong" can be vague. In formal contexts, replace it with more precise terms like "breaches regulations" or "violates protocol" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does something wrong" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action that deviates from an expected or correct standard. It broadly describes an infraction or error, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

22%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does something wrong" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe actions that are incorrect, inappropriate, or violate rules. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread, particularly in news and media, as well as in academic and general contexts. While the phrase is acceptable in most situations, more specific and formal language may be preferable in professional or scientific writing. Consider using alternatives like "commits a wrongdoing" or "makes a mistake", depending on the context. Remember to be precise when discussing errors or infractions to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commits a wrongdoing

Replaces "does something wrong" with a more formal term, emphasizing the act as a violation of rules or laws.

makes a mistake

Focuses on unintentional errors, softening the implication of intentional wrongdoing.

behaves inappropriately

Shifts the focus to the manner of conduct, implying a breach of etiquette or social norms.

acts improperly

Similar to "behaves inappropriately" but can also refer to breaches of formal regulations or procedures.

errs in their actions

A more formal way of saying someone makes a mistake, emphasizing the act of straying from correctness.

is at fault

Places blame on the person, indicating responsibility for an undesirable outcome.

makes an error in judgment

Specifically refers to mistakes made in decision-making processes.

crosses the line

Implies exceeding acceptable boundaries of behavior or conduct.

is in the wrong

Directly states that the person's position or actions are not justified or correct.

violates the rules

Focuses on the breaking of specific rules or regulations.

FAQs

How can I use "does something wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "does something wrong" to describe an action that is incorrect, immoral, or against the rules. For example: "If he "does something wrong", he will be punished."

What are some alternatives to "does something wrong"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "makes a mistake", "commits a wrongdoing", or "behaves inappropriately".

Is "does something wrong" formal or informal?

"Does something wrong" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "does something wrong" and "makes a mistake"?

"Does something wrong" implies a deliberate action or a violation of rules, while "makes a mistake" suggests an unintentional error.