look wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that appears incorrect or not right in some way. Example: "The results of the experiment seem to look wrong; we should double-check our calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

look wrong in any way.

Cornell University

"Otherwise, you just look wrong".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"These numbers make me look wrong".

The New York Times

I always look wrong when I go back to India.

The Guardian - Books

The pages look wrong, as if they've been painted over.

The Guardian - Books

And doesn't this look wrong?" "Where's the paragraph indent thing?" "I don't know.

The New York Times - Books

Or maybe it would look wrong on a hitchhiker, too calculated or cunning — a danger sign.

The New Yorker

"You have to calculate the angle of the lean, or everything will look wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many of his detailed predictions now look wrong-headed or quaint.

Independent

Like George Orwell in 1941, many of Edgar Morin's detailed presciptions in 2011 may, in the future, look wrong-headed or quaint.

Independent

It just looks wrong".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look wrong" when you want to convey a sense that something is not quite right visually or perceptually, without necessarily implying a factual error. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

While "look wrong" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "appear inaccurate" or "seem inconsistent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look wrong" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "look" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "wrong". As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the perceived state of something not appearing correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

11%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look wrong" is a versatile verb phrase used to express that something appears incorrect or out of place. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in formal writing to maintain a professional register. Remember to use "look wrong" when you want to convey a visual or perceptual sense that something is not quite right, and be mindful of overuse in highly formal contexts. Several alternatives, such as "appear amiss" and "seem incorrect", offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look off

This is a more informal way of saying something doesn't appear quite right.

seem incorrect

This alternative focuses on the perception of something not being right, emphasizing a lack of accuracy.

appear amiss

This alternative uses a more formal word to describe something appearing out of order or incorrect.

seem flawed

This alternative indicates something appears to have a defect or imperfection.

appear out of place

This alternative highlights the idea of something not fitting in or belonging where it is.

appear questionable

This alternative suggests that something raises doubts or uncertainties.

strike as odd

This alternative suggests that something is perceived as strange or unusual.

appear unnatural

This alternative implies something doesn't look normal or authentic.

look suspicious

This suggests something gives the impression of being untrustworthy or questionable.

seem fishy

A more colloquial way of saying something seems dishonest or deceitful.

FAQs

How can I use "look wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "look wrong" to describe something that appears incorrect or out of place, such as "The numbers in the report just "look wrong" to me" or "That color doesn't "look wrong" on her at all".

What are some alternatives to "look wrong"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "seem incorrect", "appear amiss", or "strike as odd" to express a similar idea.

Is it always appropriate to use "look wrong" in formal writing?

While "look wrong" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "appear inaccurate" or "seem inconsistent".

What's the difference between "look wrong" and "be wrong"?

"Look wrong" suggests something appears incorrect based on observation, while "be wrong" indicates an actual state of being incorrect. For instance, "The answer might "look wrong", but it could still "be wrong"" implies a discrepancy between appearance and reality.