is messed up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is messed up" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal or casual contexts.
It means that something is not functioning properly or has gone wrong. Example: "I can't believe my computer is messed up again. I just got it fixed last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The whole country is messed up".

The New York Times

The man is messed up, Mireya.

The New Yorker

"The situation is messed up," Rodrigo said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Everybody knows that is messed up, and it will change.

The Guardian - Tech

Medical care is messed up, and it's Obamacare's fault!

The New Yorker

"Here we are in 2013, and this park is messed up," Mr. Quiñones said.

The New York Times

The house is messed up bad.' " "That's it, that's it," Simon said, enthusiastic.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My fish tank is messed up, my curtains," Ms. Chow said angrily.

The New York Times

People's hair is messed up, there are sweat stains, their collars are not perfectly flat.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You have 50 states, and the only state that is messed up is Bush's brother's state?

The New York Times

In other words, everybody's family is messed up, so you'd better find a way to get over it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is messed up" in informal settings to describe situations or objects that are not functioning correctly or are in a state of disarray. It's suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing. For more formal communications, consider alternatives such as "is malfunctioning" or "is defective".

Common error

Avoid using "is messed up" in formal or professional settings where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Opt for terms like "is defective", "is not functioning correctly", or "is in disarray" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is messed up" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that something is not in its proper or intended state. As Ludwig AI explains, it implies a state of disorder, damage, or malfunction. This descriptive function is evident in various examples, where it describes situations, objects, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is messed up" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is not functioning correctly, is damaged, or is in a state of disarray. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in informal contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its widespread use in general communication. While effective in casual settings, it should be avoided in formal or professional contexts, where more sophisticated alternatives are preferred. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in disarray

Highlights the state of being disorganized and chaotic.

is not working properly

Focuses on the functional aspect of being broken or malfunctioning.

is out of order

Emphasizes a temporary or correctable state of being non-functional.

is all screwed up

Similar in meaning but carries a stronger, more vulgar tone.

is not right

A more general way of saying something is wrong or amiss.

is defective

Focuses on flaws or imperfections that prevent proper function.

is faulty

Similar to defective, highlighting errors or flaws.

is broken

Indicates a state of being damaged and non-operational.

is malfunctioning

Specifically refers to incorrect or abnormal functioning.

is amiss

Suggests that something is out of place or not quite right.

FAQs

What does "is messed up" mean?

The phrase "is messed up" generally means that something is not functioning properly, is damaged, or is in a state of disarray. It's often used informally.

What can I say instead of "is messed up"?

You can use alternatives like "is in disarray", "is faulty", or "is not working properly", depending on the specific context.

Is "is messed up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is messed up" is grammatically correct, especially in informal contexts. It follows the structure of "is + adjective phrase."

When is it appropriate to use "is messed up"?

It's appropriate to use "is messed up" in casual conversations, informal writing, or when speaking with friends and family. Avoid it in formal or professional communications where a more sophisticated vocabulary is preferred.