doesn't sound right

USAGE SUMMARY

"doesn't sound right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you feel that something is strange or off or incorrect. For example, "I don't think that 23 is an acceptable age to retire -- that doesn't sound right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That doesn't sound right".

The New York Times - Sports

That doesn't sound right to me".

The New York Times

It doesn't sound right to me.

The New York Times

Something about this just doesn't sound right.

The New York Times

"Izzy doesn't sound right," she said.

The New York Times

No, wait, that doesn't sound right.

The Guardian - Film

It doesn't sound right, does it?

The Guardian - Sport

Still doesn't sound right, does it?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That just doesn't sound right to me.

The New York Times

"It just doesn't sound right to me.

The Guardian

Wait a moment, that doesn't sound right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doesn't sound right" when you want to express a gut feeling that something is incorrect or inconsistent, even if you can't immediately explain why.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "doesn't sound right" in professional documents can undermine the credibility of your analysis. Opt for more precise language to articulate your concerns, such as "the data are inconsistent" or "the methodology is flawed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't sound right" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of disbelief, skepticism, or intuitive rejection of a statement or situation. As Ludwig points out, it suggests that something feels incorrect or inconsistent based on one's judgment or experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

28%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doesn't sound right" is a common and grammatically sound way to express skepticism or a feeling that something is incorrect, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. With 65 real-world examples pulled by Ludwig, it is very versatile and is used mostly in News & Media. While perfectly acceptable in most contexts, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal or scientific writing to maintain a professional tone. If you’re looking for alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning, consider phrases like "that doesn't ring true" or "that seems off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that doesn't ring true

Emphasizes the lack of authenticity or genuineness in a statement or situation.

that seems off

Suggests something is not quite right or deviates from the norm.

that doesn't add up

Highlights a logical inconsistency or lack of coherence.

something feels amiss

Indicates a sense of unease or that something is wrong or out of place.

that seems fishy

Implies suspicion or doubt about the honesty or legitimacy of something.

that raises suspicion

Focuses on how something causes doubt or mistrust.

that's questionable

Highlights doubt and uncertainty about something.

that's hard to believe

Indicates skepticism due to the improbability of a statement.

that's dubious

Suggests something is of uncertain authenticity or quality.

that's not credible

Emphasizes a lack of reliability or trustworthiness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "doesn't sound right" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "seems inconsistent", "appears inaccurate", or "raises concerns about accuracy" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "doesn't sound right" grammatically correct?

Yes, "doesn't sound right" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both spoken and written English. Ludwig confirms this.

When is it appropriate to use "doesn't sound right"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a feeling that something is off, suspicious, or incorrect, even if you can't immediately pinpoint why. Be mindful of the context and audience.

What's a more emphatic way to express that something "doesn't sound right"?

For a stronger expression, you might say "that's completely off base", "that's patently false", or "that "that is highly suspect"".