it was wrongful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was wrongful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that is unjust or morally wrong. Example: "The court ruled that it was wrongful for the company to dismiss the employee without cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And if one wanted to condemn as wrong a certain act or practice, then one could call it 'discrimination' (in the moralized sense) and leave it at that, or one could call it 'discrimination' (in the non-moralized sense) and then add that it was wrongful.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They have to know it's wrongful," said Steven G. Kobre, a former district attorney and federal prosecutor who is a partner at Kobre & Kim in New York.

The New York Times

This violates a plausible principle that holds that it is wrongful to intend to do what it would be wrongful to do (the "wrongful intentions principle").

SEP

The concept does not specify whether it is wrongful to impose disadvantages on persons on account of their sexual orientation.

SEP

It's wrongful discrimination.

Huffington Post

Common sense and basic morality would tell you that spinning amounted to usurpation of a corporate opportunity and, based upon general principles and ordinary morality, it is wrongful.

Huffington Post

Windsor said economic theory that costs could be saved by centralising services was wrongful thinking when it came to regional media.

The Guardian

And sometimes it may be wrongful to threaten what it would be right to carry out (blackmail and extortion are sometimes thought to include such cases).

SEP

There seem to be three categories in which answers to this question might fall: coercion is intrinsically wrongful; it is prima facie or pro tanto wrongful, though it may be justified by further facts; and it is intrinsically morally neutral, though some uses of it may be wrongful because of specific facts about them.

SEP

In such a case, the Justice Department would have to prove that the violation was "willful," meaning that the defendant was aware the conduct was wrongful.

The New York Times

Even so, he believed that the Mexican war was wrongful and that the territorial gains from the war were designed to expand slavery.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was wrongful" to clearly and directly express that an action or decision was morally or legally wrong. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of "wrongful" is appropriate, as it carries a strong connotation of injustice.

Common error

Avoid using "it was wrongful" in everyday situations where a milder term like "unfair" or "inappropriate" would suffice. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact when describing truly serious offenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was wrongful" functions as a declarative statement expressing disapproval or condemnation of a past action or event. It asserts that something violated moral or legal standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was wrongful" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for condemning past actions as morally or legally wrong. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct, and this is supported by examples from varied sources. While generally neutral to formal in register, it carries a strong connotation and judgment. When writing, consider the context carefully, ensuring that the strength of "wrongful" is appropriate, and avoiding overuse in casual situations. Alternatives like "it was unjust" or "it was unfair" may be suitable substitutes in less severe contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unjust

Replaces "wrongful" with "unjust", emphasizing the unfairness of the action.

it was unfair

Similar to "unjust", but focuses on the lack of equitable treatment.

it was improper

Indicates that the action violated rules, norms, or standards of conduct.

it was inappropriate

Suggests the action was unsuitable or out of place in a particular context.

it was immoral

Emphasizes the violation of moral principles.

it was unethical

Similar to "immoral", but focuses on professional standards or codes of conduct.

it was illegal

Indicates a violation of the law.

it was illegitimate

Suggests a lack of authority or validity.

it was unwarranted

Implies that the action lacked justification or a valid reason.

it was inexcusable

Highlights the lack of a valid excuse or justification for the action.

FAQs

How can I use "it was wrongful" in a sentence?

You can use "it was wrongful" to express that something was unjust or morally wrong. For example, "The court ruled that "it was wrongful" for the company to dismiss the employee without cause."

What can I say instead of "it was wrongful"?

You can use alternatives like "it was unjust", "it was unfair", or "it was improper" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "it was wrongful" and "it was illegal"?

"It was wrongful" implies a moral or ethical violation, while "it was illegal" means something violated the law. An action can be wrongful without being illegal, and vice versa.

Is "it was wrongful" a formal way to express disapproval?

Yes, "it was wrongful" is a relatively formal way to express disapproval. In more casual contexts, phrases like "it was unfair" or "it was out of line" might be more appropriate.