right a wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"right a wrong" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in a moral or ethical context to describe correcting or rectifying a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "I will do everything in my power to right this wrong and make amends for the harm I have caused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They just wanted to right a wrong.

The New York Times

"I felt I had to right a wrong".

The New York Times

Rarely do we have such opportunities to right a wrong.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's time to right a wrong," Mr. Earle said.

The New York Times

Sometimes you don't get an opportunity to right a wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

"Today is a reminder that it is never too late to right a wrong.

The New York Times

Even if the constituency is trying to right a wrong or rectify a disadvantage.

The New York Times

"But it shows that it is never too late to right a wrong".

The New York Times

John Morton, director of customs and enforcement said; "It's never too late to right a wrong".

The New York Times

"We just wanted to right a wrong," said Tamera Michael, his mother.

The New York Times

The Boys is also about Davies going back to his past to right a wrong.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "right a wrong" when you want to emphasize the moral imperative to correct an injustice or mistake. It adds weight to the action and highlights the ethical dimension of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "right a wrong" for minor errors or inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving genuine injustice, ethical lapses, or significant harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right a wrong" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to correct an injustice or mistake. It is often used in contexts where there is a strong moral or ethical dimension to the situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in news, media, and literature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "right a wrong" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of correcting an injustice or mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize a moral imperative, often appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations involving genuine ethical lapses or significant harm. Consider alternatives like "correct an injustice" or "rectify a mistake" for nuanced expression. The phrase's frequent use in authoritative sources underscores its validity and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correct an injustice

Focuses specifically on rectifying injustices.

redress a grievance

Implies addressing a formal complaint or cause of distress.

rectify a mistake

Emphasizes correcting an error or oversight.

amend an injustice

Suggests modifying or improving a situation to eliminate unfairness.

resolve an inequity

Highlights the resolution of an imbalance or unfairness.

fix an error

A more general term for correcting something that is incorrect.

remedy a situation

Focuses on improving or fixing a problematic circumstance.

repair the damage

Highlights the act of fixing harm that has been done.

make amends

Suggests compensating for a wrongdoing.

set things straight

A more informal way to express correcting a problem or misunderstanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "right a wrong" to describe the act of correcting a mistake or injustice. For example, "The company is committed to righting the wrongs of its past by investing in ethical practices."

What are some alternatives to saying "right a wrong"?

You can use alternatives such as "correct an injustice", "redress a grievance", or "rectify a mistake" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "right a wrong" or "correct a wrong"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "right a wrong" often carries a stronger moral connotation, implying a deeper sense of injustice that needs to be addressed, while correct a wrong is more appropriate for general mistakes.

What's the difference between "right a wrong" and "make amends"?

"Right a wrong" focuses on correcting the initial act of injustice, while "make amends" often involves compensating for the harm caused by the wrong. One focuses on fixing the problem and the other focuses on repairing or balancing the damage.