mostly wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mostly wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a statement or idea that is mostly incorrect or inaccurate. Example: "Although his argument had some valid points, it was mostly wrong in its assumptions and conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mostly wrong.

The New Yorker

That's mostly wrong.

The Washington Post

Strong stuff, but mostly wrong.

The Guardian - Tech

They think majorities are mostly wrong.

The New Yorker

And what they know is mostly wrong.

Independent

It turns out to be mostly wrong.

The New Yorker

Indeed, it has been mostly wrong.

The New York Times

You're partly right, but mostly wrong.

The Guardian

New experiments show that these ideas are (mostly) wrong.

Cornell University

Professor Wolfers thinks the skeptics are mostly wrong.

The New York Times

It suggests that I'm partly right, but mostly wrong.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mostly wrong", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects are still valid or correct. This provides a more balanced and nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "mostly wrong" when only minor details are incorrect. Instead, opt for phrases like "partially incorrect" or "slightly off" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly wrong" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying a noun or pronoun by indicating the degree to which it is incorrect. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mostly wrong" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is largely inaccurate, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to correct or disagree with a statement, acknowledging that some valid points may exist. While versatile, ranging from news to academic contexts, it is advisable to use more formal synonyms like "largely inaccurate" or "substantially flawed" in professional settings. When employing this phrase, clarify which aspects remain valid for a balanced perspective. Be cautious not to overstate the degree of error when only minor details are incorrect. With its frequent use and clear meaning, "mostly wrong" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely incorrect

Emphasizes the substantial degree of inaccuracy.

mostly inaccurate

Similar to "mostly wrong", but focuses specifically on lack of precision.

mainly inaccurate

Highlights that the primary part is not precise.

primarily erroneous

Focuses on the fundamental error in the statement.

substantially flawed

Indicates significant defects or imperfections.

wrong for the most part

Rephrases the concept using a different structure.

generally mistaken

Suggests a widespread or common error.

in large part incorrect

Emphasizes the significant portion that is wrong.

predominantly false

Highlights the prevalence of falsehood.

almost entirely wrong

Highlights the near-complete incorrectness.

FAQs

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

You can use "mostly wrong" to describe something that is largely incorrect but may contain some elements of truth. For example, "His assumptions were "mostly wrong", but he did get a few facts right."

What's a more formal way to say "mostly wrong"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "largely inaccurate" or "substantially flawed" instead of "mostly wrong". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a slightly more professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "mostly wrong"?

While "mostly wrong" is generally acceptable, it's essential to consider your audience and the context. In situations where precision is crucial, provide specific details about what is incorrect rather than simply stating that something is "mostly wrong".

What is the difference between "mostly wrong" and "completely wrong"?

"Mostly wrong" indicates that something is largely incorrect but may contain some accurate elements, whereas "completely wrong" means that something is entirely inaccurate with no basis in truth. Always verify whether there are any elements of truth before using "completely wrong".