fundamentally wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentally wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically means that something is wrong in its most basic form. For example, "We have a fundamentally wrong approach to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It felt fundamentally wrong.

Independent

That's just fundamentally wrong.

Independent

It's also fundamentally wrong.

The New Yorker

"It's fundamentally wrong".

The New York Times

That is fundamentally wrong.

The Guardian

We got things fundamentally wrong.

The Guardian - Books

Isn't something fundamentally wrong here?

The New York Times

"That is just fundamentally wrong.

The New York Times

This argument is fundamentally wrong.

The New York Times

But others dismiss it as fundamentally wrong.

The New York Times - Science

That, he added, "is fundamentally wrong".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamentally wrong" to express strong disagreement or disapproval, especially when addressing core principles or beliefs. It's effective for highlighting deep-seated flaws.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally wrong" casually. Its strength lies in its emphasis on core issues; diluting it with trivial disagreements weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally wrong" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to describe something that is incorrect or flawed at its most basic level. The expression is often employed to convey a strong sense of disagreement or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Huffington Post

4%

BBC

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fundamentally wrong" is a strong and versatile adjective phrase used to express deep disagreement or highlight core flaws. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for substantial issues to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "inherently flawed" or "deeply misguided" for nuanced expression. Remember to use it judiciously to strengthen your arguments and convey conviction effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently flawed

Focuses on the inherent defects within something.

essentially incorrect

Highlights that the core idea or principle is wrong.

deeply misguided

Emphasizes a significant error in judgment or direction.

utterly incorrect

Highlights the complete lack of accuracy or truth.

at its core, wrong

Emphasizes the wrongness is at the center of the issue.

categorically mistaken

Suggests a clear and unambiguous error.

wrong in principle

Highlights a violation of basic principles or values.

seriously askew

Implies that something is significantly off course or distorted.

patently false

Indicates that something is obviously untrue.

bad to the core

Strongly emphasizes the depth and pervasiveness of the wrongness.

FAQs

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

Use "fundamentally wrong" to express a strong conviction that something is incorrect at its core. For example, "His approach to the problem is "fundamentally wrong" and needs to be re-evaluated."

What are some alternatives to saying "fundamentally wrong"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inherently flawed", "deeply misguided", or "utterly incorrect" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it better to say "fundamentally wrong" or "basically wrong"?

"Fundamentally wrong" implies a deeper, more foundational issue, while "basically wrong" suggests a more superficial error. The choice depends on the severity of the perceived incorrectness.

What does it mean when someone says something is "fundamentally wrong"?

It means they believe that the core principles, assumptions, or methods of something are deeply flawed, leading to significant errors or negative consequences.