incorrect statement

USAGE SUMMARY

"incorrect statement" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement or assertion that is not accurate or true. Example: The politician was called out for making several incorrect statements during the debate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

His politically incorrect statement concerning words between players are minor in comparison.

The New York Times - Sports

Quicken 2002 for the Macintosh admits to generating an "Incorrect Statement Ending Balance" when reconciling a mutual fund account.

The New York Times - Tech

But as is fast-paced nature of Twitter, Kendall was misquoted and the incorrect statement quickly circulated online.

Independent

This article was amended on 13 December 2011 to remove an incorrect statement that Vladimir Terluk appeared on Russian TV and claimed that Boris Berezovsky killed Alexander Litvinenko.

The Guardian

This story was amended on 23 December 2015 to remove an incorrect statement that Australian senator Cory Bernardi was an opponent of immigration to that country.

The Guardian

This article was amended on 9 May 2016 to remove an incorrect statement in a quote that the HSCIC approves data-sharing agreements.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It is one-sided and contains several incorrect statements.

The New York Times

That is the Mr. Bloomberg who is prone to politically incorrect statements and perceived gaffes.

The New York Times

On Monday, he said he had made "some incorrect statements" in the lecture.

The New York Times

She won the Washington Post's "Four-Pinocchio" rating for her confident but often incorrect statements.

The Guardian

He lamented that, in the current climate, most American politicians could not risk making such politically incorrect statements.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When correcting an "incorrect statement", be specific about what was wrong and provide accurate information to replace it. This ensures clarity and prevents further misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using overly polite or vague language when pointing out an "incorrect statement". While tact is important, clarity is crucial to ensure the correction is understood and the error is not perpetuated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incorrect statement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. It identifies and categorizes a particular utterance or declaration as being factually wrong. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples where the phrase is used in contexts indicating the correction or retraction of inaccurate information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incorrect statement" serves as a straightforward way to identify and address factual inaccuracies across various domains. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "false assertion" or "erroneous claim" offer slightly different shades of meaning, "incorrect statement" remains a versatile and widely understood choice. Remember to provide specific corrections when pointing out an "incorrect statement" to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

false assertion

Replaces "statement" with "assertion", implying a confident declaration that is untrue.

untrue declaration

Substitutes "statement" with "declaration", highlighting the falsity of the official announcement.

erroneous claim

Replaces "statement" with "claim", suggesting a debatable assertion that is wrong.

inaccurate representation

Shifts focus to the misrepresentation aspect rather than the statement itself.

misleading information

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the information conveyed.

factual error

Highlights the presence of a mistake in the factual content.

invalid point

Focuses on the logical unsoundness of the argument being made.

unfounded allegation

Suggests a lack of evidence to support the claim.

specious argument

Implies that the argument seems plausible but is actually flawed.

fallacious reasoning

Focuses on the flawed logic used in arriving at the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "incorrect statement" in a sentence?

You can use "incorrect statement" to point out an inaccurate claim. For example, "The politician's claim about the economy was an "incorrect statement"."

What is a more formal alternative to "incorrect statement"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "erroneous assertion" or "inaccurate representation" instead of "incorrect statement".

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

An "incorrect statement" is simply untrue, while a "misleading statement" may be technically true but designed to deceive or create a false impression.

Is it better to say "incorrect statement" or "false statement"?

Both "incorrect statement" and "false statement" are acceptable, but "incorrect statement" can sometimes sound less accusatory or harsh than "false statement".