quite wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite wrong" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that something is completely incorrect or mistaken. It can be used to express a strong disagreement or to point out a mistake. Example: "Your answer on the exam was quite wrong. The correct answer is actually D, not C."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is quite wrong.

Cornell University

You'd be quite wrong.

The New York Times

This was quite wrong.

The Economist

They are quite wrong.

Harvard Business Review

You would be quite wrong.

Harvard University

He is quite wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

That seems quite wrong.

The New York Times

That is quite wrong".

The Guardian

Once again: quite wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

This would be quite wrong.

The Economist

This is usually quite wrong.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While versatile, "quite wrong" may not be appropriate for highly formal or technical writing where more precise language might be needed.

Common error

While "quite wrong" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in formal or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "incorrect", "inaccurate", or "unfounded" to maintain a scholarly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite wrong" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It intensifies the adjective "wrong", indicating a strong degree of incorrectness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express disagreement or to point out a mistake.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite wrong" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a significant degree of incorrectness or disagreement. As Ludwig AI points out, its adaptable nature allows for use in varied contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from more precise alternatives. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prominence in news and media, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While versatile, it is best employed to express a firm but not overly aggressive contradiction. Remember to consider context and audience when choosing between "quite wrong" and its many semantically similar alternatives, such as "completely incorrect" or "entirely mistaken".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely incorrect

Emphasizes the total absence of correctness.

entirely mistaken

Focuses on the misunderstanding or misjudgment involved.

utterly false

Highlights the lack of truth or factual basis.

wholly inaccurate

Stresses the deviation from precision or correctness.

absolutely incorrect

Adds emphasis to the incorrectness.

dead wrong

An informal way to say completely wrong.

far from the truth

Indicates a significant distance from being accurate.

in complete error

Highlights the state of being mistaken.

nothing could be further from the truth

Emphasizes the extreme inaccuracy.

patently false

Indicates that the falseness is obvious.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite wrong" to express disagreement or point out a mistake. For example: "If you think that's the solution, you are "quite wrong"."

What are some alternatives to "quite wrong"?

Alternatives include "completely incorrect", "entirely mistaken", or "utterly false". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "quite wrong" formal or informal?

"Quite wrong" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or technical writing, more precise alternatives like "inaccurate" or "unfounded" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "quite wrong" and "completely wrong"?

While both phrases indicate something is incorrect, "completely wrong" emphasizes the total absence of correctness, whereas "quite wrong" suggests a significant degree of error but might imply a slightly less absolute level of incorrectness. Context is important in determining which to use.