really wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

'really wrong' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize how wrong something is or was in a situation. For example, "I knew what I did was really wrong and I'm very sorry for my actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Really wrong.

The New Yorker

Something is really wrong.

The New York Times

They'd be really wrong.

The Guardian - Film

That's really wrong.

The New Yorker

"Calling Bobby was really wrong".

The New Yorker

You were wrong, really wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

"That just felt really wrong.

The New York Times

"But I was really wrong".

The New York Times - Sports

Neither set is really wrong.

The New York Times

They did something really wrong".

The New York Times

"What's happened is really wrong".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While "really wrong" is generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "completely incorrect" or "utterly mistaken" for enhanced clarity and precision.

Common error

While "really wrong" is acceptable, overuse can dilute its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "absolutely mistaken" or "seriously misguided" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really wrong" functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "wrong". It amplifies the degree to which something is incorrect, inappropriate, or undesirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really wrong" is a common and acceptable phrase used to emphasize the degree to which something is incorrect or inappropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While suitable for a wide range of contexts, more formal situations may benefit from using alternatives such as "completely incorrect" or "absolutely mistaken". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, and when using it, be mindful of overuse to maintain impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely incorrect

Highlights the total absence of correctness.

plain wrong

Simplifies the sentiment to a clear and obvious state of being wrong.

badly mistaken

Focuses on the error of a person's belief or understanding.

seriously misguided

Stresses that a course of action or decision is severely flawed.

absolutely mistaken

Highlights a complete misunderstanding or error in judgment.

truly inaccurate

Emphasizes the lack of precision or correctness.

utterly incorrect

Emphasizes a complete lack of correctness.

distinctly erroneous

Emphasizes the clear and unmistakable nature of the error.

genuinely flawed

Indicates a deep and authentic imperfection or defect.

wholly inappropriate

Highlights a total lack of suitability.

FAQs

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

You can use "really wrong" to emphasize the degree to which something is incorrect. For example, "Believing that misinformation is harmless is "really wrong"."

What are some alternatives to saying "really wrong"?

Alternatives to "really wrong" include "completely incorrect", "absolutely mistaken", or "seriously misguided". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "really wrong" or "completely wrong"?

Both "really wrong" and "completely wrong" are acceptable, but "completely wrong" is often perceived as more formal and absolute. "Really wrong" is generally more common in casual conversation.

In what contexts is "really wrong" most appropriate?

"Really wrong" is suitable for most informal and neutral contexts, such as everyday conversations and news reports. For formal academic writing or professional communication, more precise alternatives like "utterly incorrect" or "distinctly erroneous" might be more fitting.