it went wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it went wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when something unexpected or undesired has taken place. For example: I had planned the perfect picnic, but it went wrong when the rain started pouring.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Lifestyle

Books

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then it went wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

But today it went wrong.

The Guardian

And then it went wrong.

The Guardian

What if it went wrong?

The Guardian - Books

This is where it went wrong, here.

The Guardian - Books

And that's where it went wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

Somehow, it went wrong in Seattle.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't know where it went wrong," Abbott said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not sure where it went wrong, but it did.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is not how it went wrong at Notts County.

The Guardian - Sport

But, like so much in the 90s, it went wrong.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it went wrong", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, avoid using "it went wrong" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "the initiative proved unsuccessful" or "the plan encountered unforeseen obstacles."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it went wrong" functions as a statement indicating that something did not proceed as intended or expected. It is a common way to express failure or a deviation from a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Books

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it went wrong" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something did not go as planned. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and appropriate when describing an unexpected or undesired outcome. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, reflecting its general applicability. Consider using alternative phrases like "it failed" or "it didn't work out" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. To enhance clarity, always ensure that "it" is clearly defined within the context. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use the phrase "it went wrong" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it failed

This is a direct and general synonym indicating a lack of success.

it didn't work out

This suggests that a plan or attempt was unsuccessful.

it malfunctioned

This alternative focuses on a mechanical or technical failure.

it went awry

This suggests that something deviated from the expected path.

it backfired

This implies that an action had an unintended and negative consequence.

it proved unsuccessful

This is a more formal way of saying that something did not achieve its goal.

it fell apart

This implies a breakdown or disintegration of a plan or situation.

it took a wrong turn

This suggests a deviation from the correct or intended path or course.

it came to nothing

This indicates that efforts were fruitless and did not achieve the desired result.

it miscarried

This is a more formal and less common way of saying that something failed to develop or succeed.

FAQs

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

You can use "it went wrong" to describe a situation where something didn't go as planned. For example, "The experiment was carefully designed, but "it went wrong" when the temperature fluctuated unexpectedly."

What are some alternatives to "it went wrong"?

Alternatives include "it failed", "it didn't work out", or "it malfunctioned" depending on the specific context.

Is "it went wrong" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "the project proved unsuccessful" or "the procedure encountered complications" instead of "it went wrong".

What's the difference between "it went wrong" and "it backfired"?

"It went wrong" simply means something didn't go as planned. "It backfired" implies that the action had unintended and negative consequences, making it a stronger and more specific term than "it went wrong".