get things wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"get things wrong" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to make mistakes or to not understand something correctly. Example: "I'm sorry, I must have gotten things wrong. I'll double check my work and make sure it's accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We get things wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

People get things wrong.

The Guardian

Even geniuses get things wrong.

The Guardian - Music

People who get things wrong!

The Guardian - Opinion

Physicians do get things wrong, remarkably often.

The New York Times

The intelligence agencies get things wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

The geeks often get things wrong, however.

The New York Times - Magazine

They get things wrong all the time.

The Guardian

It is easy to get things wrong.

The New York Times

And that we get things wrong.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes, economists think that children's books get things wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get things wrong", clearly indicate what specifically was misunderstood or done incorrectly to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "get things wrong" without providing context. Saying "I got things wrong" without specifying what you are referring to can confuse your audience. Always clarify the subject or situation where the error occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get things wrong" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of making errors or misunderstanding something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and common way to express that someone has made a mistake. The examples show it is used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get things wrong" is a common and correct phrase used to express making errors or misunderstanding something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify what exactly was misunderstood or done incorrectly. While generally neutral, it's suitable for various communication styles. Related phrases include ""make mistakes"" and "be mistaken", each with slightly different nuances. Therefore, use "get things wrong" confidently, keeping in mind the specific context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make mistakes

Focuses on the act of making errors in general.

be mistaken

Highlights the state of being incorrect in one's understanding or judgment.

err

A more formal and concise way of saying "make a mistake".

misunderstand

Specifically refers to failing to understand something correctly.

misinterpret

Implies a wrong interpretation of information or actions.

slip up

Indicates a minor or unintentional mistake.

miss the mark

Suggests failing to achieve the intended goal or outcome.

blunder

Implies a significant or embarrassing mistake.

drop the ball

An idiomatic expression for failing to fulfill a responsibility or make a mistake.

fumble

Suggests a clumsy or inept handling of a situation, leading to errors.

FAQs

How can I use "get things wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "get things wrong" to indicate that someone has made an error or misunderstood something. For example, "It's okay to "make mistakes", we all "get things wrong" sometimes."

What's a more formal way to say "get things wrong"?

A more formal alternative to "get things wrong" is to say "be mistaken" or "err". For example, "I was mistaken in my initial assessment".

What can I say instead of "get things wrong" to emphasize a misunderstanding?

To emphasize a misunderstanding, you can use phrases like "misunderstand" or "misinterpret". For example, "I misinterpreted the instructions and that's why I "get things wrong"."

Is it better to say "get things wrong" or "make mistakes"?

Both "get things wrong" and ""make mistakes"" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Get things wrong" often implies a misunderstanding or misinterpretation, while "make mistakes" is a more general term for errors.