incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'incorrect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to state that an answer, opinion, or belief is wrong or not in accordance with accepted standards. Example sentence: His answer to the question was incorrect.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was incorrect.

The Guardian

Pinker calls this offense "a schoolteacher rule" that is "a product of the usual three confusions: English with Latin, informal style with incorrect grammar, and syntax with semantics".

The Economist

A spokesman for Abbott's office said "the story is wrong" but did not nominate which details were incorrect.

The Guardian

It's also great that we live in a world where people are free to be this incorrect without being hurled into stockades and mocked mercilessly as blithering idiots.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then, more distantly, comes the issue of whether it was actually a correct incorrect red card in the first place.

The Guardian - Sport

He argued that under Europe's data protection directive, "outdated, irrelevant or incorrect" information should be removed.

The Guardian - Tech

In retrospect, when I collected the hard drive, I should have checked to make sure all of my photographs were on there but instead I saw a folder marked "Amy's pics" and made an incorrect assumption.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The diverse cast was as politically correct in its makeup as the script is politically incorrect in its references.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the film, told from the British perspective, is inescapably dated and politically incorrect: Caine's character refers to the enemy as "fuzzies" and the recruits on his own side as "cowardly blacks".

The Guardian

Fellow Iona patron Professor Patricia Casey was publicly rebuked on two separate occasions last year for misusing research from both Uppsala University and UNICEF to reach the same dubious conclusion, prompting UNICEF Ireland's executive director Melanie Verwoerd to slam Casey's spin as "incorrect and unacceptable".

The Guardian

Confused by the incorrect airspeed readings, the pilot accidentally stalled the plane before it went into a spin and crashed into the sea, killing all on board.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When correcting someone's statement, follow up with the correct information to provide clarity and prevent further misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "incorrect" when expressing opinions or beliefs that are subjective. Instead, use phrases like "I disagree" or "I see it differently" to respect diverse perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "incorrect" functions to modify nouns, indicating that something is not in accordance with facts, standards, or expectations. It is used to express inaccuracies or errors in statements, data, or judgments. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "incorrect" serves as a straightforward way to denote something as wrong or inaccurate. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various domains, particularly in news, business, and opinion contexts. When aiming for precision, consider synonyms like "erroneous" or "inaccurate", and avoid using "incorrect" in subjective contexts. By understanding its function and nuances, you can effectively communicate clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erroneous

Implies a deviation from accuracy or truth, often due to error or misunderstanding.

inaccurate

Focuses on the lack of precision or exactness in details or measurements.

wrong

A broad term indicating a deviation from what is factually correct or morally right.

false

Suggests a deliberate deception or a contradiction of established facts.

inappropriate

Indicates something unsuitable or not fitting for a particular context or situation.

flawed

Highlights imperfections or defects that undermine the validity or reliability of something.

imprecise

Emphasizes a lack of sharpness or clarity in details or definition.

invalid

Indicates that something is not legally or logically sound or acceptable.

mistaken

Suggests an error in judgment or perception, often implying unintentionality.

untrue

Simply states that something does not align with reality or facts.

FAQs

How can I use "incorrect" in a sentence?

You can use "incorrect" to point out errors in information or reasoning. For example, "The calculation in the report was incorrect, leading to flawed conclusions."

What are some synonyms for "incorrect"?

Alternatives for "incorrect" include "erroneous", "inaccurate", or "wrong". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "incorrect" or "not correct"?

"Incorrect" is generally more concise and direct than "not correct". However, "not correct" can sometimes be used for emphasis or in situations where a more gentle tone is preferred.

What is the difference between "incorrect" and "misleading"?

"Incorrect" simply means wrong or inaccurate, while "misleading" implies that something is presented in a way that could deceive someone. An incorrect statement might be unintentional, while a misleading one often involves some level of intent to deceive.