i could be wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I could be wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to express uncertainty or to acknowledge that you may not have all the facts. For example: "I believe he said he was moving to New York, but I could be wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I could be wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

But I could be wrong about that.

The New Yorker

I could be wrong about that.

The New Yorker

I know I could be wrong.

The New Yorker

Of course, I could be wrong.

The New York Times

In other words: "I could be wrong".

The New Yorker

And I could be wrong".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Obviously, I could be wrong.

The Guardian - Books

Although I could be wrong".

The Guardian

O.K., I could be wrong.

The New York Times

That's my opinion, I could be wrong.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i could be wrong" to show humility and open-mindedness, especially when discussing opinions or predictions.

Common error

Avoid using "i could be wrong" excessively, as it can undermine your credibility. Use it judiciously to show intellectual honesty, not to weaken every statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i could be wrong" functions as a modal expression of uncertainty or hedging. It indicates the speaker's awareness that their statement might not be accurate and invites consideration of alternative viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express potential error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i could be wrong" is a common and grammatically sound way to express uncertainty or acknowledge the possibility of error. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's important to use it judiciously to avoid undermining your credibility, incorporating "i could be wrong" demonstrates intellectual honesty and open-mindedness. Alternatives like "i might be mistaken" or "perhaps i'm in error" can add a touch of formality. Remember, using "i could be wrong" effectively is about striking a balance between confidence and humility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i might be mistaken

Indicates a possibility of error, similar to "i could be wrong" but uses "might" instead of "could".

it's possible i'm wrong

Highlights the possibility of being incorrect, focusing on the uncertainty of the situation.

i stand corrected

Acknowledges that one's previous statement was incorrect, a more direct admission of error.

i'm open to being wrong

Expresses a willingness to accept correction, emphasizing openness to alternative perspectives.

i'm prepared to be wrong

Similar to "i'm open to being wrong", indicates readiness to accept being incorrect.

i'm not entirely sure

Conveys uncertainty about the accuracy of a statement, implying potential error.

my information may be inaccurate

Suggests that the information provided may not be entirely correct, implying potential error.

perhaps i'm in error

A more formal way of expressing the possibility of being mistaken.

it is conceivable that i am wrong

Emphasizes the possibility, though perhaps unlikely, of being incorrect.

i wouldn't bet on it

Indicates uncertainty and lack of confidence in a statement's accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "i could be wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "i could be wrong" to express uncertainty or humility. For example, "I think the meeting is tomorrow, but "i could be wrong".".

What's a more formal alternative to "i could be wrong"?

A more formal alternative is "i might be mistaken" or "perhaps i'm in error", which conveys a similar meaning but with a slightly elevated tone.

How does "i could be wrong" differ from "i'm not sure"?

"I'm not sure" indicates a lack of certainty, while ""i could be wrong"" specifically acknowledges the possibility of being incorrect. The latter carries a stronger sense of potential error.

Is it appropriate to use "i could be wrong" in professional writing?

Yes, using ""i could be wrong"" can be appropriate in professional writing to show objectivity and a willingness to consider alternative perspectives, but use it sparingly to maintain authority.