it seems wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling or opinion that something is not right or appropriate in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, it seems wrong to allocate such a large budget for marketing without considering other departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems wrong.

The New York Times - Travel

Somehow it seems wrong, unethical, deceptive.

The New York Times

It seems wrong to ask.

The New York Times - Sports

"It seems wrong in principle," she said.

The Guardian

But it seems wrong to end on a pessimistic note.

The Economist

It seems wrong we should have to pay twice.

The Guardian - Money

It seems wrong to laugh at it, it really does.

The New York Times

But it seems wrong to cut out all research.

The New York Times

It seems wrong somehow to be calling you Ice.

The Guardian

(That's his word, and again it seems wrong. To me he just looks cutely fat).

The New Yorker

Given these weaknesses, it seems wrong to make a decision that will foreclose future thinking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems wrong" to express a subjective assessment of something being morally, ethically, or practically questionable. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of unease or disapproval without making an absolute judgment.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "it seems wrong" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to articulate your concerns or criticisms. For example, use phrases like "it is ethically questionable" or "it is logically inconsistent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems wrong" functions as a subjective assessment or expression of moral or ethical concern. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses a feeling that something is not right or appropriate, offering a nuanced way to convey disagreement or unease without definitive judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems wrong" is a versatile expression used to convey a subjective assessment of something being incorrect, inappropriate, or unjust. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's advisable to use more precise language in highly formal or academic settings. When you want to express a feeling of unease or disapproval without making a definitive judgment, "it seems wrong" provides a nuanced and readily understood way to do so. Related phrases include "it feels incorrect", "it appears unjust", and "it seems inappropriate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't seem right

A more direct and emphatic way of expressing that something feels wrong.

it feels incorrect

Focuses on the feeling of incorrectness rather than a general sense of wrongness.

it strikes me as wrong

Highlights a personal reaction or impression of something being wrong.

it appears unjust

Emphasizes the lack of fairness or justice in a situation.

it seems inappropriate

Highlights the lack of suitability or appropriateness.

it seems amiss

Suggests something is out of place or not quite right.

it seems improper

Indicates a violation of established rules or etiquette.

it seems mistaken

Implies an error in judgment or understanding.

it seems flawed

Points out a defect or imperfection in something.

it seems misguided

Suggests a poor or ill-considered direction or approach.

FAQs

What does "it seems wrong" mean?

The phrase "it seems wrong" expresses a feeling or opinion that something is not right, appropriate, or fair in a given situation. It conveys a sense of unease or disapproval without making a definitive judgment.

What can I say instead of "it seems wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "it feels incorrect", "it appears unjust", or "it seems inappropriate" depending on the context.

Is "it seems wrong" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "it seems wrong" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal settings.

How to use "it seems wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems wrong" to express your disagreement or discomfort with a particular action, decision, or situation. For example, "After reviewing the data, "it seems wrong" to proceed with the current plan."