right the wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "right the wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to correcting a mistake or injustice. For example, "We must all do our part to right the wrongs of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She can't right the wrong, and she can't make herself right.

The New York Times - Arts

He reached the wrong stretch of Albany and turned right, the wrong way.

The New York Times

"So I made it my mission to right the wrong," Mr. Buchanan-Smith said.

The New York Times

They see this election as possibly their last chance to right the wrong of that coup.

The Economist

But the soldiers refused, opting to wait for the federal government to right the wrong.

The New York Times

We will get promoted [at some stage] and right the wrong done to us".

Independent

It's not always the case that you can right the wrong.

Harvard Business Review

What are the odds that the movie version will right the wrong?

The New Yorker

There was, he continued, only one decision that could right the wrong.

The Guardian - Arts

The deep regret that he has expressed goes some way towards putting right the wrong.

The Guardian

"Society tries to right the wrong, but its successes are very limited.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "right the wrong" when you want to emphasize the act of correcting a moral or ethical issue rather than simply fixing an error. It often implies a sense of justice or fairness.

Common error

Avoid using "right the wrong" in trivial situations. It's best suited for scenarios with ethical or moral implications, not for simple mistakes that need correction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right the wrong" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as an infinitive (to right the wrong) or in the imperative mood. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and readily understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "right the wrong" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of correcting an injustice or significant error. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and understood. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, it carries a neutral to formal tone, emphasizing ethical or moral dimensions rather than simple error correction. While alternatives like "redress the grievance" or "rectify the situation" exist, it's important to reserve "right the wrong" for situations with genuine ethical implications. The high frequency of examples confirms its established usage in various contexts, making it a versatile phrase for expressing the pursuit of justice and the correction of significant moral or ethical lapses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correct the injustice

Focuses on the injustice itself rather than the act of correcting it.

redress the grievance

Implies a formal or legal process of correcting a wrong.

rectify the situation

Emphasizes improving the overall situation after a mistake.

amend the error

Focuses on fixing a mistake or inaccuracy.

remedy the problem

Highlights solving a problem caused by a wrong action.

set things straight

A more informal way of saying to correct a wrong.

resolve the issue

Focuses on finding a solution to a problem or dispute.

make amends

Implies taking action to compensate for a wrong.

expiate the fault

Involves atoning for a wrongdoing, often through sacrifice or suffering.

atone for past mistakes

Emphasizes remorse and making up for errors made in the past.

FAQs

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

You can use "right the wrong" when referring to correcting an injustice or an ethical mistake. For instance, "The organization is dedicated to righting the wrongs of the past".

What's a more formal way to say "right the wrong"?

More formal alternatives to "right the wrong" include "redress the grievance" or "rectify the situation", which are suitable for legal or official contexts.

Is "right the wrong" the same as "correct the mistake"?

While both phrases involve fixing something, "right the wrong" implies correcting a moral or ethical issue, while "correct the mistake" simply means fixing an error. The former carries a stronger sense of justice.

What can I say instead of "right the wrong" in a casual context?

In a casual setting, you might say "set things straight" or "resolve the issue" instead of "right the wrong". These alternatives are less formal and more appropriate for everyday conversations.