not correct

USAGE SUMMARY

"not correct" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is not accurate or incorrect. For example, "His answer was not correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not correct.

The New York Times

"It's not correct.

The New York Times

"It is not correct.

Independent

This is not correct.

The New York Times

That's just not correct.

The Economist

"And that's not correct".

The New York Times - Tech

"Well, it's not correct.

The Guardian

It's just not correct.

The Guardian

But that's not correct.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Is that not correct?

The New York Times

That's not correct.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not correct" when you want to politely point out an inaccuracy without being overly harsh or confrontational. It is suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

While versatile, "not correct" may sound less sophisticated in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "inaccurate", "erroneous", or "unsubstantiated" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not correct" primarily functions as a negative predicate adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, asserting that it lacks correctness. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is frequently used to contradict or deny a previous statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

10%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not correct" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate inaccuracy or error. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While direct synonyms like "incorrect" and "inaccurate" exist, "not correct" often provides a more diplomatic alternative. When writing, consider the specific context and desired tone to determine whether "not correct" or a stronger, more precise term is most appropriate. Remember that while commonly used, the phrase could sound less sophisticated in very formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incorrect

This is a direct synonym, offering a concise alternative.

not accurate

Directly negates accuracy, similar to "not correct".

inaccurate

Emphasizes a lack of precision or exactness.

wrong

A simple and common alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

false

Suggests a deviation from truth or reality.

untrue

A formal synonym for false, indicating a lack of truth.

mistaken

Implies an error in judgment or understanding.

in error

A more formal way to express that something is wrong.

that is simply not the case

A more elaborate way of denying the validity of a statement.

that's a lie

Strongly emphasizes the untruthfulness of a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "not correct" in a sentence?

You can use "not correct" to politely point out an error or inaccuracy in a statement. For example, "That information is "not correct"; the actual figure is higher."

What are some alternatives to "not correct"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "incorrect", "inaccurate", or "false". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "not correct" the same as "incorrect"?

While similar, "not correct" is generally perceived as slightly less direct than "incorrect". "Not correct" can be a more diplomatic way to point out an error.

Which is correct, "not correct" or "incorrect"?

Both "not correct" and "incorrect" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired tone and level of formality.