incorrectly applied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incorrectly applied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concept, rule, or method that has been used in a wrong or improper manner. Example: "The theory was incorrectly applied in the experiment, leading to flawed results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Unfortunately, the policy was incorrectly applied in this case, and the journalist was wrongly advised.

The Guardian

The spokeswoman denies reports that the Met have admitted that it incorrectly applied section 14 measures during the G20 clashes.

The Guardian

In horticulture the term bulb is incorrectly applied to a number of botanical structures that have a similar food-storing function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In one case, the university found that policies allowing faculty to take parental leave without falling behind on the tenure track had been incorrectly applied to the candidate.

The Economist

It is often, although incorrectly, applied to other grotesque beasts, such as the chimères (chimeras) that decorate the parapets of Notre-Dame at Paris.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The company admitted it had incorrectly applied the EU Working Time Directive relating to holiday pay for staff who were paid a premium for working on Sundays or bank holidays.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Alexander's answer is that we do not perceive the world incorrectly, but we can incorrectly apply partial perceptions to wholes.

SEP

So properly speaking, error is not ascribed to universal principles (synderesis), but rather to conscience which may incorrectly apply a universal judgment.

SEP

However, it is common for people to incorrectly apply the everyday use of theory to misconstrue evolutionary theory as a tentative prediction lacking reliability.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Incorrectly applying the perceived lessons learned from this battle, U.S. commanders in future naval night battles in the Solomons consistently tried to prove that American naval gunfire was more effective than Japanese torpedo attacks.

Wikipedia

The lack of diagnostic studies in primary care populations and the methodological concerns from previous studies conducted in secondary care settings mean the accuracy of clinical tests for identifying ACJ pain and pathology in the primary care population is unknown and previous results may be incorrectly interpreted or wrongly applied.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer active voice construction when using "incorrectly applied" for direct and clear communication. For example: "The formula was incorrectly applied by the researcher".

Common error

Avoid assuming the method itself is flawed just because it was "incorrectly applied". Investigate whether the application process, user understanding, or external factors contributed to the error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incorrectly applied" functions as an adverb-verb construction, modifying a verb to specify that an action was performed erroneously. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and commonly used to describe errors in processes or applications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incorrectly applied" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe errors in the application of a method, rule, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific and academic writing to news reports and general discussions. Its function is to attribute errors in execution, with alternatives like "erroneously applied" and "wrongly applied" offering subtle differences in meaning. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what was incorrectly applied and why, and avoid assuming the method itself is flawed without further investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erroneously applied

Indicates a mistake or error in the application.

wrongly applied

Suggests the application was not only incorrect, but also potentially unjust.

mistakenly applied

Highlights that the application was based on a misunderstanding.

inaccurately implemented

Focuses on the lack of precision in the implementation process.

inappropriately used

Emphasizes the unsuitability of the application in the given context.

improperly utilized

Implies that the application did not follow the correct procedures or guidelines.

unsuitably administered

Suggests the method of administration was not fitting for the situation.

deficiently implemented

Signifies that the application was lacking in some essential aspect.

falsely attributed

Indicates an incorrect assignment or connection.

flawed application

Highlights that the process had problems making it faulty.

FAQs

How can I use "incorrectly applied" in a sentence?

You can use "incorrectly applied" to describe situations where a rule, method, or principle was used in a wrong or improper way. For example, "The formula was incorrectly applied, leading to skewed results."

What are some alternatives to saying "incorrectly applied"?

Alternatives include "erroneously applied", "wrongly applied", or "mistakenly applied", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "incorrectly applied" or "improperly applied"?

Both "incorrectly applied" and "improperly applied" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Incorrectly" suggests a factual error, while "improperly" suggests a lack of adherence to standards or procedures.

What does it mean when something is described as "incorrectly applied"?

It means that a specific method, rule, or concept was used or implemented in a wrong or inappropriate way, leading to an undesirable or erroneous outcome.