is off the mark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is off the mark" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is inaccurate, incorrect, or not aligned with the truth or reality. Example: "His assessment of the situation is off the mark; the data clearly shows a different trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— is off the mark.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, his solution is off the mark.

The New York Times

But the conventional wisdom is off the mark here.

MIT Technology Review

Simmons is off the mark straight away with a single.

The Guardian - Sport

David Wondrich is off the mark in several respects.

The New York Times - Arts

So Tristram Hunt's broadside is off the mark.

The Guardian

Broad is off the mark from his 62nd delivery!

The Guardian - Sport

However, Lepore's attempt to shame us into that conversation is off the mark.

The New Yorker

If your strategy is off the mark, don't be afraid to change course.

Harvard Business Review

But that answer is off the mark by an order of magnitude.

Harvard Business Review

To argue that Governor Bush "has no reassuring economic wise men" is off the mark.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is off the mark" when you want to politely indicate that a statement, idea, or calculation is not correct without being overly harsh. It suggests a slight misjudgment rather than a complete failure.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "is off the mark" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "inaccurate" or "unsubstantiated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is off the mark" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or idea as being inaccurate or incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is off the mark" is a common and correct way to express that something is inaccurate or not quite right. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in written English. It's frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to gently correct or disagree without being overly critical. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in highly formal settings, opting for more precise vocabulary when appropriate. Alternatives like "is inaccurate" or "misses the point" can also be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inaccurate

Focuses directly on the lack of accuracy, simplifying the expression.

is incorrect

Emphasizes the state of being wrong, providing a more direct assertion.

is mistaken

Highlights the error in judgment or perception.

is wide of the truth

Adds emphasis to the distance from reality or factual accuracy.

misses the point

Shifts the focus to a failure in understanding the core issue.

is not on target

Uses a metaphor related to hitting a target, indicating a failure to achieve the intended goal.

is beside the point

Suggests that something is irrelevant to the main topic or argument.

is a false assumption

Pinpoints the error as originating from an incorrect belief or premise.

is a flawed premise

Identifies that the foundation of an argument or idea is faulty.

doesn't hold water

Employs a colloquial expression meaning the idea is weak or illogical.

FAQs

How can I use "is off the mark" in a sentence?

Use "is off the mark" to gently point out that something isn't quite right or accurate. For example, "His estimation of the project's budget "is off the mark"; we'll need more resources."

What are some alternatives to "is off the mark"?

You can use alternatives like "is inaccurate", "misses the point", or "is mistaken" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is off the mark"?

It's suitable in many contexts, from casual conversations to professional discussions, when you need to indicate something is not quite correct without being overly critical. However, avoid it in very formal writing, where more precise alternatives are preferred.

Is "is off the mark" considered formal or informal?

"Is off the mark" leans towards being somewhat informal but is generally acceptable in neutral contexts. In very formal or academic writing, consider using more precise language to maintain a professional tone.