it is misplaced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is misplaced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is in the wrong location or context. Example: "The book is on the wrong shelf; it is misplaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Either way, it is misplaced.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this instance, it is misplaced.

The New Yorker

But in this case, it is misplaced.

The New York Times - Sports

From an economic and strategic perspective, it is misplaced.

The Economist

He understands the negative reaction, but insists it is misplaced.

The New York Times

But it is an important movie and much of the heated debate around it is misplaced.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But could it be misplaced?

The New York Times

Considering the European industry environment, the Italian group's parsimony is understandable — but it's misplaced.

The New York Times

She has this enormous ability to love, but it's misplaced.

The Guardian

If the letter led to some initial schadenfreude in Labour HQ, it was misplaced.

The Guardian

If the credit is to me, it's misplaced, Andrulis said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is misplaced", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of "The anger is misplaced", specify "Jade's anger is misplaced in the extreme."

Common error

Avoid using "it is misplaced" as a generic criticism without specifying why and how it is misplaced. Provide concrete reasons and alternative perspectives to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is misplaced" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject (often an abstract concept like anger, blame, or emphasis) as being in an incorrect or unsuitable position or state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is misplaced" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates something is inappropriately positioned, directed, or attributed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express disapproval or disagreement, often suggesting a need for reevaluation or correction. Its register is generally neutral, fitting for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, where it is frequently used to critique arguments or actions. While other phrases, such as "it is unwarranted" or "it is misguided", offer similar meanings, the specific choice depends on the precise nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is misplaced emphasis

Highlights that there is an emphasis in the wrong thing.

it is wrongly assigned

Highlights the idea that something has been incorrectly designated or allocated.

it is misdirected

Suggests that something is aimed at the wrong target or recipient, emphasizing the direction of an action or feeling.

it is misattributed

Something is wrongly assigned to someone.

it is misguided

Indicates that something is based on flawed judgment or reasoning, shifting the focus from location to the underlying logic.

it is unwarranted

Expresses that something is unjustified or lacks merit, focusing on the lack of justification rather than physical misplacement.

it is ill-advised

Implies that something is a poor decision or course of action, focusing on the imprudence of the choice.

it is inappropriate

Highlights that something is unsuitable or out of place in a given context, focusing on the lack of suitability.

it is unfounded

Indicates that something lacks a solid basis or evidence, emphasizing the absence of a foundation.

it is a false alarm

Suggests that an alert is a mistake.

FAQs

How to use "it is misplaced" in a sentence?

Use "it is misplaced" to indicate that something is in the wrong context or is not justified. For example: "The blame in this situation is misplaced." or "The effort, while well-meaning, it is misplaced."

What can I say instead of "it is misplaced"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unwarranted", "it is misguided", or "it is inappropriate" depending on the context.

Is "it is misplaced" formal or informal?

"It is misplaced" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and choose more precise language for formal writing if necessary.

What's the difference between "it is misplaced" and "it is lost"?

"It is misplaced" implies something is temporarily in the wrong location and can be found, while "it is lost" suggests something is permanently gone or unrecoverable. For example, "The document is misplaced on my desk" versus "The opportunity is lost forever".