patently erroneous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently erroneous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is clearly and obviously wrong or incorrect. Example: "The judge ruled that the defendant's claims were patently erroneous and lacked any factual basis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Second, it is doubtful that the test described in the Casey case will ever actually constrain the Supreme Court from overruling a case it finds patently erroneous.

The New York Times

On Friday, Mr. Obama sent a letter to the Justice Department, urging acting Attorney General Peter D. Keisler to replace Mr. Tanner for making comments that were "patently erroneous, offensive and dangerous".

The New York Times

Scalia calls the Court's conclusion to hear the case "patently erroneous".

Wikipedia

Since that time the price of oil has increased by some 40%, while talking heads on TV and media analysts have been endlessly repeating the patently erroneous canard that the price of oil is directly tied to the erosion of the value of the dollar.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

Argentina patently.

The Guardian - Sport

Patently, that's progress.

The Economist

"That's patently obvious.

The New York Times

This is patently untrue.

The New Yorker

The erroneous S.& P.

The New York Times

This is patently wrong.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "patently erroneous", ensure the context supports the strong assertion of obvious error. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for situations where the error is truly undeniable.

Common error

Avoid using "patently erroneous" for minor or debatable inaccuracies. Using it for trivial errors weakens its impact. Reserve it for statements or claims that are demonstrably and unmistakably wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently erroneous" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe it as obviously or undeniably incorrect. Ludwig confirms this through its examples, showcasing its role in highlighting the clear inaccuracy of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "patently erroneous" is used to describe something that is obviously and undeniably wrong. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, although it appears to be a relatively rare expression. Its strongest context is in News & Media. While a more formal phrase, it can be used in variety of writing settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context truly supports the strong assertion of obvious error; it's best to avoid overuse, because it could diminish its impact. Also, remember to only use it for demonstrably and unmistakably wrong claims and not minor or debatable inaccuracies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly incorrect

Emphasizes the lack of correctness in a straightforward manner, without necessarily highlighting the obviousness.

obviously wrong

Highlights the readily apparent nature of the error, focusing on the incorrectness being easily noticeable.

demonstrably false

Stresses that the error can be proven untrue or incorrect, with a focus on evidence.

blatantly untrue

Emphasizes the brazen and conspicuous nature of the falsehood, implying a lack of concern for accuracy.

indisputably incorrect

Highlights the lack of any reasonable basis for disagreement about the error.

unequivocally wrong

Conveys that there is no doubt or ambiguity about the incorrectness of something.

palpably false

Indicates that the falseness is easily perceived or felt, emphasizing the tangible nature of the error.

manifestly inaccurate

Highlights the clear and evident nature of the inaccuracy, focusing on the discrepancy from the truth.

patently absurd

Highlights that the error defies logic and reason to an obvious degree, focusing on the ridiculous nature of the statement.

flagrantly misleading

Emphasizes the deliberate and conspicuous attempt to deceive through the error, focusing on the intent behind the inaccuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "patently erroneous" in a sentence?

You can use "patently erroneous" to describe a claim, statement, or argument that is obviously wrong or incorrect. For example, "The judge ruled that the defendant's claims were "patently erroneous" and lacked any factual basis."

What are some alternatives to "patently erroneous"?

Alternatives include "clearly incorrect", "obviously wrong", "demonstrably false", or "blatantly untrue". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "patently erroneous" a formal or informal phrase?

"Patently erroneous" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional writing, legal documents, and academic contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "clearly wrong" may be preferred.

What is the difference between "patently erroneous" and "erroneous"?

While "erroneous" simply means incorrect, "patently erroneous" emphasizes that the error is obvious and easily recognizable. The addition of "patently" strengthens the assertion that the information is not only wrong, but unmistakably so.