inherently wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

'inherently wrong' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something, such as a behavior, that is considered wrong and not acceptable in any circumstances. For example, "Cheating is inherently wrong and should never be tolerated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was nothing inherently wrong with football.

The New York Times - Sports

There is something inherently wrong with it".

The New York Times - Sports

There is nothing inherently wrong with patronage.

The New York Times

"There is nothing inherently wrong with this," he says.

The Economist

There's nothing inherently wrong with debt, of course.

The New Yorker

"There is something inherently wrong with that number.

The New York Times

But there was nothing "inherently wrong in having fun".

The Economist

There's nothing inherently wrong with this genre, or any other.

The New Yorker

After all there is nothing inherently wrong with a sandwich.

The New York Times - Travel

Moreover, insider trading has not always been viewed as inherently wrong.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There's nothing inherently wrong in it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inherently wrong" when you want to express that something is wrong in all circumstances and by its very nature. It emphasizes a deep, intrinsic wrongness rather than a contextual one.

Common error

Avoid using "inherently wrong" to describe something that is merely your personal preference or a matter of taste. This phrase indicates an objective, fundamental wrongness, not just a disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inherently wrong" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something as fundamentally and intrinsically wrong. As Ludwig AI points out, it denotes an objective wrongness, rooted in the very nature of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inherently wrong" is a powerful phrase used to describe something fundamentally and intrinsically wrong, regardless of context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent usage across various sources. While versatile, it’s crucial to use it accurately, reserving it for objectively wrong concepts rather than subjective preferences. Alternatives such as "intrinsically wrong" or "fundamentally wrong" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis. Understanding the subtle nuances ensures precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrinsically wrong

Emphasizes that the wrongness is part of the very nature of something.

fundamentally wrong

Highlights the basic or essential wrongness of something.

categorically wrong

Suggests that something is absolutely and without exception wrong.

morally reprehensible

Focuses on the ethical aspect, highlighting that something is deserving of strong disapproval.

unethical by nature

Indicates that something is against moral principles from its very beginning.

wrong in principle

Highlights that the wrongness stems from a violation of fundamental principles.

wrong at its core

Emphasizes that the central element of something is wrong.

unjustifiable

Suggests that something cannot be defended or excused.

impermissible

Indicates that something is not allowed or acceptable.

unconscionable

Highlights that something is shockingly unfair or unjust.

FAQs

How can I use "inherently wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "inherently wrong" to describe actions or ideas that are considered morally or ethically unacceptable in all situations. For example, "Lying is "inherently wrong" because it undermines trust."

What phrases are similar to "inherently wrong"?

Similar phrases include "fundamentally wrong", "intrinsically wrong", and "morally reprehensible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "inherently wrong"?

It's appropriate to use "inherently wrong" when discussing concepts or actions that are widely considered to be unethical or immoral, regardless of context or personal opinion. For example, acts of violence or deception are often described as "inherently wrong".

Is there a difference between "inherently wrong" and "situationally wrong"?

"Inherently wrong" refers to something that is always wrong, regardless of the situation. "Situationally wrong", on the other hand, means something is only wrong depending on the context. For instance, while stealing is often "inherently wrong", there might be situations where it is considered justifiable, though not necessarily 'right'.