it is wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is wrong" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not correct or acceptable. For example: "Cheating on a test is wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is wrong.

The New York Times

And it is wrong".

The New Yorker

But it is wrong.

Forbes

Because it is wrong".

Independent

"Yes it is wrong.

Independent

It is wrong," she said.

The Guardian

Except it is wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is wrong, intellectually and morally.

The New York Times

Their conclusion is that it is wrong.

The Economist

But it is wrong and unnecessary.

The Economist

"Any way you do it is wrong".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is wrong" to clearly and directly express disapproval or disagreement, particularly when addressing ethical or moral issues. This phrase avoids ambiguity and plainly communicates your stance.

Common error

Avoid using "it is wrong" in situations requiring a more nuanced or diplomatic response. Overusing it can make your communication appear overly aggressive or simplistic. Instead, consider alternatives that offer a more balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is wrong" functions primarily as a declarative statement expressing disapproval, disagreement, or a moral judgment. It's used to assert that something is incorrect, unethical, or unacceptable, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is wrong" is a commonly used expression to convey disapproval, disagreement, or a moral judgment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's essential to consider the tone and nuance required for different situations, opting for more diplomatic alternatives when necessary. The frequency and authoritative sources underscore its reliability as a standard English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is incorrect

Emphasizes factual inaccuracy or deviation from a standard.

that is unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that something is not permissible or tolerable.

that's not right

A more informal way of indicating something is incorrect or unfair.

that is inappropriate

Highlights the unsuitability of something in a given context.

it's ethically wrong

Emphasizes deviation from ethical principles.

that is a mistake

Identifies an action or decision as an error.

this is not permissible

Highlights the impermissibility of an action.

it's simply not true

Directly contradicts a statement, emphasizing its falsity.

it's simply untrue

Emphasizes the lack of veracity.

it's morally reprehensible

Highlights the ethical and moral aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "it is wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "it is wrong" to express disapproval or disagreement with something. For example, "It is wrong to steal" or "I believe "it is wrong to lie"".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is wrong"?

Alternatives include "that is incorrect", "that is unacceptable", or "that is inappropriate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it better to use a more nuanced phrase instead of "it is wrong"?

In situations requiring diplomacy or a less direct approach, consider alternatives that offer a more balanced perspective or express disagreement without being overly critical. For instance, saying "that may not be the best approach" can be more effective than directly stating "it is wrong".

Is there a difference between "it is wrong" and "that is wrong"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "it is wrong" generally refers to a broader concept or action, while "that is wrong" might refer to a specific statement or action that has just been mentioned. They are often interchangeable, but context matters.