in the wrong direction

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the wrong direction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation that is not headed in the desired or intended direction. For example, "The negotiations were going in the wrong direction, so we decided to take a break and revisit the topic later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Eleven Patriots chasing in the wrong direction.

The New York Times

We're heading in the wrong direction.

The New York Times

"We're going in the wrong direction".

The New York Times

He is rowing in the wrong direction.

Independent

She kept moving in the wrong direction.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is going in the wrong direction".

The New Yorker

But that's going in the wrong direction.

The New Yorker

Several headed in the wrong direction.

The New York Times - Science

It leads us in the wrong direction.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, they coordinated in the wrong direction.

The New York Times

"And we're going in the wrong direction".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the wrong direction" to clearly indicate that progress is not being made or that a negative trend is emerging. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in the wrong direction" when you mean something is morally wrong. This phrase specifically refers to a deviation from a planned or desired path, not ethical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the wrong direction" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which something is moving or progressing. It indicates a movement or trend that deviates from the desired or intended path. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing economic trends, sports plays, and personal actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the wrong direction" is a common and versatile phrase used to express that something is not progressing as intended or is moving away from a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. It's important to note that this phrase carries a negative connotation and should be used when describing unfavorable trends or deviations. While alternatives like "off course" or "on the wrong track" exist, "in the wrong direction" provides a clear and direct way to highlight a negative trend. When employing this phrase, ensure that you are referring to a deviation from a planned path or desired outcome, not to moral or ethical issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the wrong track

Suggests that the current approach or method is unlikely to yield the desired results.

moving backward

Indicates a regression or lack of forward movement.

off course

Indicates a deviation from the intended path or plan.

on a false path

Implies a pursuit or journey based on incorrect or misleading information.

headed astray

Implies a movement or development that is going in an undesirable direction.

taking a turn for the worse

Highlights a sudden and negative change in circumstances.

going downhill

Indicates a decline or deterioration in condition or quality.

misguided

Suggests being led or directed poorly, resulting in errors.

deteriorating

Focuses on the process of becoming worse or declining.

progressing negatively

Emphasizes the adverse nature of the advancement or development.

FAQs

How can I use "in the wrong direction" in a sentence?

You can use "in the wrong direction" to describe situations where progress is not being made as expected, such as, "The company's profits are heading "in the wrong direction" due to increased competition."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the wrong direction"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "off course", "on the wrong track", or "moving backward".

Is it ever appropriate to use "in the wrong direction" in a positive context?

No, "in the wrong direction" typically carries a negative connotation, indicating that something is deviating from the intended or desired path. It's best used to describe unfavorable situations or trends.

What's the difference between "in the wrong direction" and "going the wrong way"?

While similar, "in the wrong direction" is often used for abstract concepts or trends, while "going the wrong way" is more literal, referring to physical movement or navigation. For example, "the economy is moving "in the wrong direction"" versus "you're going "the wrong way" down a one-way street".