fundamentally incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentally incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is fundamentally flawed or wrong at its core, often in a discussion or critique. Example: "The theory presented in the article is fundamentally incorrect, as it overlooks key evidence that contradicts its main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"That's fundamentally incorrect," Sprague said.

The Guardian - Opinion

What if Crosley is fundamentally "incorrect," in a way that transcends her inattention to social protocol?

The New Yorker

"A brief look at the regulation and existing case law shows that Ryanair's argument is fundamentally incorrect".

The Guardian - Money

Demons!," by the comics artist Lynda Barry, who "has written and drawn a lot about feeling fundamentally incorrect".

The New Yorker

The Court's holding today, however, appears to rest on a conception of "liberty" which I consider fundamentally incorrect.

Cornell University

However, the animals were in fact given methamphetamine (speed), not MDMA, meaning the conclusions of the research were fundamentally incorrect, and the authors duly retracted the paper.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It felt fundamentally wrong.

Independent

This is fundamentally wrong.

BBC

Contacted by the Guardian with a series of questions, Ryan, through a spokesman, said: "Our lawyers are aware of the blog from which these questions arise and it is our view that it is litigious [sic] and fundamentally and factually incorrect.

The Guardian - Business

The Ukip leader, Gerard Batten, has endorsed a "factually incorrect and fundamentally offensive" book that claims Islam is fighting for "the destruction of western civilisation".

The Guardian

Qari Asim, one of the UK's most prominent imams, said the book contained claims that were "factually incorrect and fundamentally offensive to over 1.6 billion [people] in the world".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamentally incorrect", ensure you can clearly articulate why the subject is wrong at its core, providing specific evidence or reasoning to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally incorrect" for minor inaccuracies. Reserve it for situations where the core premise or underlying principle is flawed, not just superficial details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally incorrect" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or concept, indicating that it contains a flaw in its underlying principles. As Ludwig indicates, it signifies a deep-seated error.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fundamentally incorrect" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is wrong at its core. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across a range of domains, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject truly has flaws at its root, and be prepared to explain what those flaws are and why it's "fundamentally incorrect". Be mindful of overstating the severity, saving this phrase for crucial flaws rather than minor errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fundamentally flawed

Synonymous, emphasizing a core defect, but not necessarily 'incorrect'.

Essentially wrong

Focuses on the core, underlying error rather than a superficial mistake.

Entirely wrong

Highlights that something is completely devoid of correctness.

Basically flawed

Highlights a basic defect or fault in the foundation or structure.

Completely mistaken

Emphasizes the totality of the error, leaving no room for partial correctness.

Patently false

Indicates that the error is obvious and easily recognizable.

Wholly inaccurate

Stresses that there is no accuracy whatsoever.

Gravely erroneous

Indicates a serious and significant error.

Deeply flawed

Suggests a significant and intrinsic problem.

Radically unsound

Focuses on the flawed foundation or principles of something.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamentally incorrect" in a sentence?

Use "fundamentally incorrect" to describe something that is flawed at its most basic level. For instance, "The assumption that all swans are white is "fundamentally incorrect", as black swans exist."

What's a good alternative to "fundamentally incorrect"?

Alternatives include "essentially wrong", "basically flawed", or "completely mistaken", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "fundamentally incorrect"?

Use it when criticizing a premise, theory, or approach that is not just inaccurate but based on a flawed foundation. For instance, stating that a business model is "fundamentally incorrect" suggests it cannot succeed in its current form.

What's the difference between "incorrect" and "fundamentally incorrect"?

"Incorrect" simply means wrong, while "fundamentally incorrect" means wrong at its most basic and foundational level. The latter suggests a deeper, more pervasive flaw.