have something wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have something wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use this phrase when you want to indicate that something is not right or functioning properly. Example: "I think my computer may have something wrong. It keeps freezing up on me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"These guys are not simple hooligans who have something wrong with them.

The New York Times

It sucks working with the prisoners because they all have something wrong.

The New Yorker

I prefer to look at them as athletes who have something wrong with their eyes".

The New York Times - Sports

"If you have something wrong, you just go to the backyard and make something up".

The New York Times

Anything this accessible this quickly must have something wrong with it.

The New York Times - Arts

Roy McMakin's two untitled chests of drawers each have something wrong with them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Everyone who worked there had something wrong with him.

The New Yorker

A nameless commodity that had something wrong with it.

The New Yorker

"I can't conceive of someone doing this sort of thing and not having something wrong with him".

The New Yorker

But I think school is much like real life: everyone has something wrong with them.

The Guardian - Music

I assumed that all of Grace's friends had something wrong with them in the head".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While acceptable in most contexts, in very formal or technical writing, more precise terms like "malfunctioning" or "defective" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "have something wrong" as a catch-all phrase when more specific terminology is available. Using precise language enhances clarity and professionalism. For example, instead of saying "The engine has something wrong", specify "The engine is misfiring".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have something wrong" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that an entity possesses a fault, defect, or problem. As Ludwig AI states, it's a common way to express that something is not functioning correctly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have something wrong" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote that something is not functioning as intended or has a problem. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, fitting well within diverse contexts ranging from news and media to informal conversations. While suitable for general usage, it is crucial to consider the formality of the context; more technical terms may be appropriate for professional or scientific writing. Remember to be specific about what 'something' refers to, avoiding vagueness. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively and accurately incorporate the phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a problem

More general term indicating any kind of issue or difficulty.

have a defect

Implies a flaw or imperfection, often in a manufactured item or system.

have an issue

A more formal way of saying there's a problem, often used in professional settings.

have a fault

Suggests a mistake or error, often implying responsibility.

be malfunctioning

Specifically refers to something (usually a machine or system) not working correctly.

be out of order

Similar to "malfunctioning" but implies a temporary state of being non-operational.

be not working properly

A straightforward and clear way to state that something isn't functioning as it should.

exhibit a deficiency

A more formal and technical way to say that something is lacking or incomplete.

suffer from an ailment

Specifically refers to a health problem or illness.

be impaired

Indicates that something's function is diminished or weakened.

FAQs

How can I use "have something wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "have something wrong" to indicate that something isn't functioning correctly or has a problem. For example, "I think my phone "has something wrong"; the screen keeps flickering".

What's a more formal way to say "have something wrong"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "is malfunctioning" or "exhibits a defect" for technical issues, or "presents an issue" for general problems.

Is "have something wrong" grammatically correct?

Yes, "have something wrong" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable way to express that there's a problem or issue with something.

What does it mean when someone says "I think I have something wrong with me"?

This usually implies the speaker is experiencing physical or mental health issues. It's an informal way to express that they "feel unwell" or suspect they "may be ill".