Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
incorrect mode
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "incorrect mode" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is not functioning or operating in the expected or proper manner. Example: "The device is currently in an incorrect mode, preventing it from performing its intended functions."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
A general definition of "knowledge of rabies" was defined as the answer of "yes" when the respondent correctly identified that bites, scratches, and saliva were modes of rabies virus transmission and also identified 1 other incorrect mode of transmissions as a mode of transmission or did not identify any incorrect mode of transmission.
Science
Because of divergent therapeutic goals for SIADH and RSW (fluid restriction for SIADH and fluid supplementation for RS W, it is important to differentiate SIADH from RSW and thus avoid selecting the incorrect mode of therapy that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Paul Dundas notes that the ascetics often used cautionary tales to underline the full karmic implications of morally incorrect modes of life, or excessively intense emotional relationships.
Wiki
Worryingly, many name incorrect modes of transmissions such as kissing or sharing plates with a person with HIV.
Formal & Business
‡Knowledge of rabies is defined as 'yes' if the respondent 1) answered "yes" to bite, scratch, and saliva as modes of transmission and 2) "yes" to 1 or none of the following incorrect modes of transmission: touch, contact with blood, contact with urine or feces, contact with skunk spray.
Science
Incorrect detection of mode effects = False positive identification of DIF due to mode among items not simulated with mode DIF; AUC = area under the ROC curve; CI = 95% confidence interval; IRT = item response theory model used to generate response data and parameters used in CAT; CAT item usage = number of times a given item was administered by CAT divided by 100; * p <.05; ** p <.01.
IRT model used to generate the data and in CAT, DIF size, percentage of DIF, mean difference in trait level, item difficulty, and discrimination (based on values estimated from the simulated P&P data) were used to predict correct and incorrect identification of mode effects and are presented in Tables 3 and 4, respectively.
According to findings from a report that evaluated awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Saudi adolescents, most respondents were superficially aware of STIs, and had incorrect perceptions about the mode of transmission and means of protection [ 4].
Science
Prior research has shown that the factors that contribute to HIV-related stigma among adults in SSA include fear of transmission, due to incorrect beliefs regarding the mode in which HIV is transmitted, and fear that an individual will die.
Science
This may lead to inaccurate estimations of failure modes and incorrect solutions for safety factors.
Since the normal forces and shear resistances acting on the other discontinuity planes are omitted, it can cause unreasonable estimations of block failure modes and incorrect calculation of factors of safety.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always try to provide details on why the mode is incorrect. Specificity improves readability.
Common error
Avoid using "incorrect mode" without specifying the system or device to which it applies. Generic statements can confuse the reader.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "incorrect mode" functions as a descriptive term, specifying that a system or device is operating in an unintended or erroneous state. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in scientific and technical contexts.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "incorrect mode" is a descriptive phrase used to denote that a system or device is operating in an unintended or erroneous state. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. It leans towards a neutral to professional register, fitting well in technical documentation and reports. While it's not very common, related phrases like "wrong mode" or "improper setting" can serve as alternatives. When employing "incorrect mode", ensure you specify the system to which it applies to avoid ambiguity. While Ludwig examples are relatively rare, they validate the usage of the term in varied professional and scientific contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
wrong configuration
Replaces "mode" with a synonym focusing on settings.
improper setting
Substitutes "incorrect" with "improper" and "mode" with "setting".
faulty state
Uses "faulty" to denote incorrectness and "state" as a synonym for "mode".
erroneous operation
Focuses on the action being performed incorrectly rather than the mode itself.
malfunctioning configuration
Combines the ideas of incorrect function and settings.
defective modality
Uses a more technical synonym for "mode" and replaces "incorrect" with "defective".
inaccurate condition
Replaces "mode" with a broader term indicating a state of being.
invalid setup
Emphasizes the incorrectness of the initial setup.
unsuitable modality
Highlights the inappropriateness of the selected mode.
non-operational status
Shifts focus to the device's inability to operate correctly.
FAQs
How can I use "incorrect mode" in a sentence?
You can use "incorrect mode" to describe a state where a device or system is not functioning as intended. For instance, "The device entered an incorrect mode after the software update."
What's a good alternative to "incorrect mode"?
Alternatives include "wrong mode", "improper setting", or "faulty state", depending on the specific context.
Is "incorrect mode" formal or informal?
"Incorrect mode" is generally considered neutral to formal and is appropriate for technical or professional contexts. For casual conversation, you might use simpler terms.
Which is correct, "incorrect mode" or "wrong mode"?
Both "incorrect mode" and "wrong mode" are grammatically correct, but "incorrect mode" sounds more professional and specific while "wrong mode" is more generic.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested