factually incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "factually incorrect" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement or information that is not accurate or based on facts. Example: The article contains several statements that are factually incorrect, and should be corrected before publication.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This statement is factually incorrect.

The Guardian

Huckabee is not, factually, incorrect.

The Washington Post

It is factually incorrect and potentially damaging.

The Guardian - Opinion

That line is factually incorrect, though.

The Guardian

It's a factually incorrect statement, for sure.

The Washington Post

Much of what Trump says is factually incorrect.

The New Yorker

The charity said MBi had printed "factually incorrect" information.

Independent

They are just factually incorrect, and people know the difference.

The New Yorker

The New York Times's story is inaccurate and factually incorrect.

The Washington Post

Yet because ma'am, unlike Mrs., isn't factually incorrect, Dr. Kroll resists the urge to scold.

The New York Times

"The allegation surrounding the permitted depth is factually incorrect," said Andrew Gowers, a BP spokesman.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "factually incorrect" when addressing statements that can be objectively proven wrong. For subjective opinions, consider using phrases like "misleading" or "incomplete picture".

Common error

Avoid using "factually incorrect" to dismiss opinions or interpretations that aren't strictly factual. Instead, acknowledge differing perspectives and focus on the factual basis when it's relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "factually incorrect" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun (often "statement", "claim", or "information") to indicate that it does not align with established facts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is typically used in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "factually incorrect" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that is not in accordance with facts. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage in written English. It's versatile enough for neutral settings, appearing frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, it's best to provide verifiable sources to support your correction. Alternatives such as "false" or "inaccurate" can be used depending on the context. Avoid overusing it in subjective debates and always acknowledge differing perspectives when opinions are concerned. The phrase serves to correct information and promote a more accurate discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untrue

Direct synonym, indicating a lack of truth.

false

Similar to untrue, suggesting a deviation from the truth.

inaccurate

Emphasizes a lack of precision or correctness.

erroneous

Suggests a mistake or error in the information.

mistaken

Highlights the presence of an error or misunderstanding.

incorrect

General term for not being correct.

unfounded

Indicates a lack of basis in fact or evidence.

invalid

Suggests a lack of logical or factual support.

without basis

Similar to unfounded, emphasizing the lack of foundation.

contrary to fact

Highlights a direct contradiction with established facts.

FAQs

How to use "factually incorrect" in a sentence?

You can use "factually incorrect" to describe statements that can be proven wrong with evidence. For example, "The claim that the Earth is flat is "factually incorrect"".

What can I say instead of "factually incorrect"?

You can use alternatives like "untrue", "false", or "inaccurate" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "factually incorrect" or "incorrect"?

"Factually incorrect" emphasizes that the statement is wrong based on verifiable facts. "Incorrect" is a more general term. Use "factually incorrect" when you want to highlight the factual basis of the error.

Which is correct, "factually incorrect" or "a factual error"?

Both are correct but used differently. "Factually incorrect" describes a statement. "A factual error" refers to the error itself. Example: "His statement was "factually incorrect"; it contained a factual error".