in the wrong position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the wrong position" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The books were scattered around the room, seemingly in the wrong position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was in the wrong position, I guess.

The New York Times - Sports

And maybe it's in the wrong position on the lot.

The New York Times - Sports

He is four yards in the wrong position so he guesses.

Independent

"If he's an eater of seals, he's in the wrong position," Chatters said.

The Washington Post

It turns out he has been in the wrong position all along.

The Guardian - Sport

I said before the game they were in the wrong position.

The Guardian - Sport

Fall asleep in the wrong position, and acid slips into the esophagus, a recipe for agita and insomnia.

The New York Times - Health

And I think in some ways, you were just unfortunately in the wrong position at the wrong time.

Harvard Business Review

I'm looking at my fricking dash every five seconds trying to find a switch in the wrong position.

The Guardian - Sport

Ellis said that when he was playing inside, he would often line up in the wrong position.

The New York Times - Sports

Elective Caesareans are planned in advance, usually because of known complications - like the placenta being in the wrong position.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships or arrangements, ensure that "in the wrong position" is followed by a prepositional phrase that clarifies the correct or expected location. For example, "The painting was in the wrong position on the wall."

Common error

Avoid using "in the wrong position" when a more specific or descriptive term would better convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "The lever was in the wrong position", consider saying "The lever was set to 'off'" if that's more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the wrong position" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating an incorrect or inappropriate location or arrangement. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, showcasing its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

26%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the wrong position" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes an incorrect or inappropriate placement. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific discourse. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider whether more specific language might enhance clarity. Common alternatives include ""out of place"" and "incorrectly positioned". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the correct or expected location to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of place

This alternative emphasizes a sense of not belonging or being unsuitable for a particular environment or situation.

incorrectly positioned

This phrase highlights the physical misplacement of something or someone.

in the incorrect spot

This alternative emphasizes the incorrectness of the location, and closely mirrors the original.

in an unsuitable spot

Focuses on the inappropriateness of the location.

not where one should be

This more verbose phrase explicitly states that something or someone is not in the expected location.

misaligned

Suggests a lack of proper alignment or arrangement.

badly located

Emphasizes poor or disadvantageous placement.

poorly situated

Indicates an unfavorable location in terms of convenience or desirability.

strategically disadvantaged

This alternative is more appropriate in strategic or competitive scenarios.

at a disadvantage

This alternative shifts the focus to the resulting disadvantage rather than the position itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the wrong position" to describe something or someone that is not in the correct or expected location. For example, "The book was "out of place" on the shelf", or "The defender was "strategically disadvantaged" during the play".

What are some alternatives to "in the wrong position"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as ""out of place"", "incorrectly positioned", or "badly located" as alternatives to "in the wrong position".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "in the wrong position"?

While grammatically correct, "in the wrong position" might be too vague in certain contexts. It's important to ensure the phrase accurately and clearly conveys the intended meaning. If a more precise description is available, it might be a better choice.

What does "in the wrong position" imply?

The phrase "in the wrong position" implies that something or someone is not where it should be, which can lead to inefficiency, errors, or other negative consequences. The specific implications depend on the context in which the phrase is used.