never go wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "never go wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular choice or action is always a good decision or will lead to a positive outcome. Example: "If you're unsure about what to cook for dinner, you can never go wrong with a classic spaghetti dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You could never go wrong.

The New Yorker

We can never go wrong with him.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can never go wrong with stronger," she said.

The New Yorker

You can never go wrong requesting a flatbed truck.

The New York Times - Travel

"Mother intuition can never go wrong," he said.

The New York Times

In terms of color, "you can never go wrong with the classics," she said.

The New York Times

(Tape down the cover, too. "You never go wrong protecting adjacent areas," Mr. Doty said).

The New York Times

You can never go wrong backing people fighting to be free.

The New York Times

You'll never go wrong by uttering these five words while visiting someone who's sick.

The New York Times

You'll never go wrong with one of Diptyque's candles.

Forbes

You can never go wrong with a blazer dress!

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "never go wrong" to introduce universally accepted or classic options, like "You can "never go wrong" with a little black dress".

Common error

While "never go wrong" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to convey certainty or reliability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never go wrong" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express certainty about a particular course of action or choice. It suggests that following a certain path will invariably lead to a positive outcome, as supported by the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "never go wrong" is a widely used idiomatic expression that conveys certainty and reassurance about a particular choice or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, although it may be more suitable for informal or neutral settings than for highly formal or academic writing. Examples from Ludwig highlight its common use in news, media, and general advice, making it a valuable phrase for expressing confidence in recommendations. Alternatives such as "always a safe bet" or "a surefire solution" can provide more formal options when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

always a safe bet

Emphasizes the reliability and low-risk nature of the option.

a surefire solution

Highlights the guaranteed success of the suggested approach.

a foolproof plan

Indicates that the plan is designed to prevent any errors or failures.

you can't miss

Suggests a high probability of success or satisfaction.

always works

Implies a consistent and reliable outcome.

infallible method

Highlights that is a method that is incapable of failing or being wrong.

guaranteed success

Focuses on the assured positive result of a specific action.

certain to succeed

Conveys a strong likelihood of achieving the desired outcome.

a winning strategy

Implies that the tactic is highly likely to bring positive results.

cannot fail

Emphasizes the impossibility of a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "never go wrong" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "always a sound choice", "consistently reliable", or "a dependable strategy". The suitability depends on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "never go wrong" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "never go wrong" might be perceived as too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

What does "You can "never go wrong" with it" mean?

This phrase suggests that a particular choice or action is a safe and reliable option that is likely to yield positive results or satisfaction. It indicates minimal risk of failure or disappointment.

What are some situations where using "never go wrong" is most appropriate?

This phrase works well in informal advice, everyday conversations, or when providing simple recommendations. It's less suitable for scenarios requiring nuanced or highly professional language.