is something wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"is something wrong" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to inquire about a potential issue or problem. Example: "I noticed you seem upset, is something wrong?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"There is something wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

There is something wrong here".

The New York Times

But there is something wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

"But there is something wrong with him".

The New Yorker

"There is something wrong with that picture".

The New York Times

There is something wrong with this picture.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

There was something wrong".

The New York Times - Magazine

Otherwise, there's something wrong.

The New York Times

There's something wrong there".

The New Yorker

"There's something wrong here".

The New York Times

Yet there was something wrong.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is something wrong" when you perceive a change in someone's behavior or demeanor and want to express concern and offer support. It is a versatile phrase applicable in many social contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is something wrong" as a veiled accusation. Instead of genuinely seeking information, it can come across as passive-aggressive. Ensure your tone and body language convey genuine concern, not judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is something wrong" functions as an interrogative expression used to inquire about a potential problem or issue. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. It seeks to understand if an individual is experiencing difficulties or if a situation has taken an unfavorable turn.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is something wrong" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed phrase used to inquire about potential issues or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile expression suitable for various contexts. Its primary function is to express concern and initiate a conversation about someone's well-being or a problematic situation. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to use it with genuine concern rather than as a veiled accusation. Alternative phrases like "is there a problem" or "are you okay" can provide similar meaning with slightly altered focus. The wide usage across news, academic, and wiki sources underscores its prevalence and acceptance in English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is there a problem

This alternative is a more direct and general way of asking if there is an issue.

are you okay

This focuses on the person's well-being, implying something might be wrong emotionally or physically.

what's the matter

This is a classic way to ask what is causing someone distress or concern.

is everything alright

This inquires about the overall state of things, suggesting a possible disturbance.

did something happen

This asks directly if an event has occurred that might be causing concern.

is anything the matter

Similar to "what's the matter", this asks if anything specific is causing a problem.

what's wrong

This is a shorter, more informal version of asking what the problem is.

is there anything I can do

This expresses concern and offers help, implying something might be wrong.

do you need anything

This inquires about immediate needs, suggesting potential distress or difficulty.

can I help you with something

This offers assistance, implying the person might be struggling with something.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to ask "is something wrong"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "Is there a problem?" or "Is everything alright?" These alternatives are less casual and convey a similar sense of concern.

What can I say instead of "is something wrong" in a medical context?

In a medical setting, you might ask, "Are you experiencing any discomfort?" or "Have you noticed anything unusual?" to elicit specific information about a patient's condition.

How do I respond if someone asks "is something wrong" and I don't want to talk about it?

You can politely decline by saying, "I'm okay, thank you for asking" or "I appreciate your concern, but I'd rather not discuss it right now". It's important to be respectful but clear about your boundaries.

Is there a difference between "is everything alright" and "is something wrong"?

"Is everything alright" implies a broader concern about a situation or person's overall well-being, while "is something wrong" suggests a specific issue might be present.