goes awry

USAGE SUMMARY

"goes awry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that does not turn out as intended. For example: "The picnic was supposed to be the perfect day, but the weather forecast went awry and the rain ruined everything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The game's gyroscope goes awry.

The New York Times

The breakout, however, goes awry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Almost immediately everything goes awry.

The New York Times

At least until something goes awry.

The New York Times

"It's the kind of symbolism that always goes awry".

The New York Times

I think something goes awry," she tells Cosme.

The New Yorker

In fact, such intentional instruction often goes awry.

The New York Times - Books

"If something goes awry, it can be devastating.

The New York Times

The heist goes awry, and several robbers are killed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This, however, is where the story goes awry.

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes they get distracted, and the tart goes awry.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "goes awry", ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly defined so the reader understands what is deviating from the expected course.

Common error

While "goes awry" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives such as "proves unsuccessful" or "deviates from the plan" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes awry" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something deviates from its intended or expected course. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts, confirming its role in describing unexpected or undesirable outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "goes awry" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe situations that deviate from their intended course, often resulting in unfavorable outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context, opting for more formal alternatives like "proves unsuccessful" in professional settings. Its prevalence across news, science, and encyclopedic sources indicates broad acceptability. Related phrases, such as "turns sour" or "falls through", provide nuanced options for varied writing styles. This analysis provides a thorough understanding of how to effectively use "goes awry" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goes amiss

Similar to "goes awry" but emphasizes that something is not quite right or as it should be.

turns sour

Focuses on the negative transformation of a situation, emphasizing disappointment or failure.

falls through

Implies a plan or agreement failing to materialize or be completed.

proves unsuccessful

Highlights the lack of success in achieving a particular goal or outcome.

mishap occurs

Highlights an unfortunate accident or unexpected problem that disrupts the intended course of events.

takes a wrong turn

Suggests a deviation from the correct path, leading to undesirable outcomes.

becomes unstuck

Emphasizes a disruption that causes something to not work or a plan to fail.

ends in disaster

Points to a catastrophic conclusion, where the final result is extremely negative.

doesn't pan out

Indicates that a plan or expectation did not succeed or produce the anticipated results.

fails to deliver

Stresses the inability to meet expectations or produce the promised results.

FAQs

How can I use "goes awry" in a sentence?

You can use "goes awry" to describe a situation or plan that doesn't proceed as expected. For example, "The experiment "goes awry" due to a technical malfunction."

What does "goes awry" mean?

"Goes awry" means that something deviates from the planned or expected course, often resulting in a negative outcome. It implies that things have gone wrong or have not turned out as intended.

What are some alternatives to saying "goes awry"?

Alternatives to "goes awry" include "turns sour", "falls through", or "proves unsuccessful", depending on the specific context.

Is "goes awry" appropriate for formal writing?

While "goes awry" is widely understood, it may be perceived as slightly informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "deviates from the plan" or "proves unsuccessful" to maintain a more professional tone.