is something amiss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is something amiss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you suspect that there is a problem or something is not right in a situation. Example: "When I entered the room, I noticed the silence and the tense atmosphere; I wondered if something was amiss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

There is something amiss in this reasoning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Clearly, there is something amiss, and history will judge the administration harshly.

The New York Times

But there is something amiss: look carefully and you'll notice the great leader smoking a cigarette.

The Guardian

It is becoming increasingly apparent that there is something amiss in the way our universities are run.

The Guardian - Opinion

Word from the front is that Hulkenberg has been on the blower to his team telling them there is something amiss with that motor vehicle of his.

The Guardian - Sport

Punters are innately cynical people, they are always inclined to believe there is something amiss with a loser, but they deserve to know that the sport is straight.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"If you believed that there was something amiss, you would have used that subpoena power".

The New York Times

Do you think Serena gave it her all, or was something amiss?

The Washington Post

Could it be there that there's something amiss in the climate story we're telling folks?

The New York Times

One reason that no one in the United States suspected there might be something amiss was the sheer magnitude of the risks he took.

The New Yorker

Patel's wife, Seema, can then review the footage if it is felt there was something amiss about that day.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is something amiss" when you sense that a situation is not as it should be, but you don't have concrete evidence of a specific problem. It is useful for expressing a general feeling of unease or suspicion.

Common error

While "is something amiss" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or professional documents where a more direct or specific inquiry would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "We suspect something is amiss with the financial reports", specify "We suspect discrepancies in the financial reports" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is something amiss" functions as an interrogative phrase used to express a suspicion or feeling that something is not right or that there might be a problem. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is something amiss" is a versatile interrogative used to express a feeling or suspicion that something is not quite right. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, suggesting a generally neutral register. To avoid misuse, be mindful of highly formal contexts where more direct language might be preferred. Related phrases like "is something wrong" or "is there a problem" can offer alternative ways to convey similar concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is something wrong

Emphasizes a direct question about a problem.

is there a problem

Focuses on the existence of an issue.

is anything the matter

A more formal and empathetic way to inquire about trouble.

is something the matter

Directly questions if something is wrong.

is there something awry

Uses a more formal and less common term for 'wrong'.

are things not right

Focuses on the state of affairs being incorrect.

does something seem off

Highlights a sense of something being not quite right or normal.

does everything seem okay

Inquires if everything appears to be in order.

is anything out of place

Questions if something is not in its correct location or condition.

is something fishy

Uses a more informal term for 'suspicious'.

FAQs

What does "is something amiss" mean?

The phrase "is something amiss" suggests that there might be a problem or that something isn't quite right. It expresses a sense that things are not as they should be, without specifying exactly what the issue is.

When should I use the phrase "is something amiss"?

Use "is something amiss" when you have a feeling that something is wrong, but you don't have concrete evidence. It's suitable for expressing a general sense of unease or suspicion. For more direct inquiries, consider alternatives such as "is something wrong".

What are some alternatives to "is something amiss"?

Alternatives include "is there a problem", "is anything the matter", or "is something wrong". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "is something amiss" formal or informal?

"Is something amiss" is neither overly formal nor informal. It's generally suitable for most everyday situations, though in very formal or professional contexts, a more direct phrase might be preferable. Consider phrases such as "are there irregularities" or "is there a discrepancy" for more formal settings.