never goes wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"never goes wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to convey an idea of dependability or infallibility. For example: "My uncle is the most dependable person I know - his judgement never goes wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It never goes wrong".

The New York Times - Books

Which, as we know, never goes wrong..

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By releasing "London Calling," sixty-five minutes of rock music that never goes wrong.

The New Yorker

But you put on 'Rubber Soul,' or 'Sgt. Pepper,' or 'Freewheeling Bob Dylan' and it's just... From the first note you hear, it never goes wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

For gentlemen, a suit or jacket combo never goes wrong.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "never goes wrong" to describe choices, actions, or items that are consistently reliable or effective. For example: "For a classic look, a simple black dress never goes wrong."

Common error

While "never goes wrong" is acceptable in many situations, it might sound too casual in formal writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "is consistently reliable" or "is always effective" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never goes wrong" functions as a predicate in a sentence, typically describing a subject that consistently produces positive outcomes or avoids negative ones. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of dependability. Examples show it being used to describe food, clothing choices, and strategies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "never goes wrong" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe things that consistently work well and avoid failure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples, although they are somewhat limited, indicating that while acceptable, it is not extremely common. It's versatile enough for general conversation and writing, but consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional contexts. While "never goes wrong" is generally safe to use, remember to ensure it fits the tone and formality of your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot fail

Highlights the impossibility of failure in a given scenario.

invariably works

Stresses the consistent and predictable nature of success.

is foolproof

Highlights the simplicity and ease with which something avoids failure.

is guaranteed to work

Offers a strong assurance of positive results.

is always reliable

Directly emphasizes the reliability aspect of something.

is consistently effective

Focuses on the consistent positive outcome.

always succeeds

Focuses on the positive outcome of success rather than the absence of failure.

is a sure thing

Similar to 'safe bet' but more colloquial.

is always a safe bet

Emphasizes the low-risk nature of a decision or action.

is a winning strategy

Highlights the successful nature of a specific approach.

FAQs

How can I use "never goes wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "never goes wrong" to describe something that consistently yields positive results or avoids failure. For example: "Investing in index funds "never goes wrong" in the long term."

What are some alternatives to "never goes wrong"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is always reliable", "is foolproof", or "cannot fail", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "never goes wrong" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "never goes wrong" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative like "is consistently effective" or "is invariably successful".

What does it mean when something "never goes wrong"?

It means that the particular thing is consistently successful, dependable, or effective. It suggests a high degree of reliability and a minimal chance of failure.