got the length wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got the length wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a measurement or estimation of length was incorrect. Example: "I measured the fabric for the dress, but I got the length wrong, so it turned out too short."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So instead she did safe and black and got the length wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There follows one lovely yorker, and then one much less lovely yorker – Dernbach gets the length wrong, it turns into a full toss and Sammy smacks it away for six.

The Guardian - Sport

Yesterday, Marie Henein, defense lawyer for Jian Ghomeshi, questioned the reliability the first witness during cross-examination because the victim had gotten the length of her hair wrong at the time.

Huffington Post

Still, he makes up for it fast enough – Ashwin gets his length wrong and Du Plessis' reaction is immediate and emphatic, opening his body up and launching the ball over long on for six.

The Guardian - Sport

The numbers were wrong, we just got the numbers wrong.

The New York Times

I got the numbers wrong, O.K., but did I get the argument wrong?

The New York Times

The media got the W.M.D.s wrong.

The New Yorker

Well, I got the timing wrong.

The New Yorker

I got the date wrong.

The New York Times

We got the writing wrong.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I got the day wrong".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing alterations or modifications, use "got the length wrong" to clearly indicate a miscalculation or error in the size.

Common error

Avoid using "got the length wrong" when referring to other dimensions like width or height. Be specific about which measurement was incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got the length wrong" functions as a declarative statement indicating an error in determining the dimension of length. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in contexts ranging from fashion to sports, highlighting its role in everyday language to express mistakes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got the length wrong" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate an error in measuring or estimating length. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts and is suitable for neutral to informal communication. To enhance clarity in formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "miscalculated the length" or "measured the length inaccurately". By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively use this phrase or its alternatives to convey specific errors in measurement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misjudged the length

Focuses on the act of judging or estimating incorrectly.

miscalculated the length

Highlights a mathematical error in determining the length.

estimated the length incorrectly

Emphasizes the inaccuracy of the estimation.

measured the length inaccurately

Points out the lack of precision in the measurement process.

got the dimensions wrong

Broader; indicates a mistake in any dimension, not just length.

erred in length

More formal way to indicate a mistake in length.

was incorrect about the length

Direct statement about the incorrectness regarding the length.

was mistaken about the length

Emphasizes a misunderstanding about the length.

did not measure the length correctly

Focuses on the incorrect execution of the measurement.

the length was off

Informal way to say that the length was not accurate.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "got the length wrong"?

Saying someone "got the length wrong" means they made a mistake in measuring, estimating, or determining the length of something.

What are some alternative ways to say someone "got the length wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "misjudged the length", "miscalculated the length", or "estimated the length incorrectly".

Is it appropriate to use "got the length wrong" in formal writing?

While "got the length wrong" is understandable, more formal alternatives like "measured the length inaccurately" or "erred in length" might be preferred in formal writing.

How can I avoid "getting the length wrong" in my own projects?

To avoid "getting the length wrong", always double-check your measurements, use reliable measuring tools, and consider adding a small allowance for errors, especially in sewing or construction projects.