it is wrong for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is wrong for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a moral or ethical judgment about a specific action or behavior. Example: "It is wrong for individuals to take advantage of others in vulnerable situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is wrong for just the reasons you cite.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is wrong for a vet to be deceptive, however.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think it is wrong for New Jersey and for America.

The New York Times

The moral of this movie is "It is wrong for a black to pass for white".

The New Yorker

"It is wrong for a country to allow arms to be supplied to a potential warzone.

The Guardian

Most of us think that it is wrong for white people to use the "n-word".

The New York Times

We declare it is wrong for any country in the area to possess nuclear weapons.

The Washington Post

"It is wrong for the police to not tell us his whereabouts," Cai complained.

The Guardian

It's bad for them and it is wrong for our country.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is wrong for anyone to decide for another when to let go of a child.

The New York Times

It is wrong for New Yorkers to bear the burden of security alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is wrong for", clearly state the reason why something is considered wrong to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "It is wrong for companies to avoid paying their fair share of taxes because it deprives public services of essential funding."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "it is wrong for" in emotionally charged arguments. Instead, provide specific details and evidence to support your claims, making your argument more persuasive and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is wrong for" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a moral or ethical judgment. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to convey disapproval or condemnation of certain actions or behaviors. It introduces a subject and asserts that the subject's actions are morally incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is wrong for" is a versatile expression used to convey moral or ethical judgments across various contexts. According to Ludwig, its grammatical structure is correct and it enjoys widespread use. Its primary function is to express disapproval or condemnation, making it suitable for use in news articles, academic discussions, and formal business communications. Remember to clearly state the reasons behind your judgment to ensure clarity. While widely accepted, balance emotional appeals with factual evidence for stronger arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not right for

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing disapproval.

it is inappropriate for

Replaces "wrong" with "inappropriate", suggesting a lack of suitability rather than a moral failing.

it is not acceptable for

A more polite way of saying that something is not allowed or tolerated.

it is unacceptable for

Emphasizes that something doesn't meet standards or expectations.

it is unethical for

Focuses specifically on violations of ethical principles.

it is immoral for

Highlights the violation of moral principles.

it is unjust for

Highlights the unfairness or inequity of a situation.

it is improper for

Suggests a violation of established rules or norms.

it is indefensible for

Suggests that something cannot be justified or excused.

it is reprehensible for

Indicates a strong level of disapproval and moral condemnation.

FAQs

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

Use "it is wrong for" to express a moral or ethical judgment about a specific action or behavior. For example, "It is wrong for individuals to take advantage of others in vulnerable situations".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is inappropriate for", "it is unacceptable for", or "it is unethical for" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "it is wrong for" and "it is bad for"?

"It is wrong for" implies a moral or ethical judgment, while "it is bad for" indicates a negative consequence or impact. For instance, "it is wrong for /s/it+is+wrong+for lie" versus "it is bad for /s/it+is+bad+for your health".

Is "it is wrong for someone to" the same as "someone shouldn't"?

While both express disapproval, "it is wrong for someone to" carries a stronger, more formal tone, suggesting a moral violation. "Someone shouldn't" is more casual and can indicate advice or preference, but not necessarily a violation. For instance, "It is wrong for someone to steal" implies a moral principle, whereas "You shouldn't eat so much junk food" is advice.