screw it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "screw it up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase commonly used to express annoyance at something that has been done wrong or to admit defeat. For example, "I was trying to install this piece of furniture but I managed to screw it up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even its managers often screw it up.

The Washington Post

Let's not screw it up".

The New York Times

He didn't screw it up.

The New York Times

They better not screw it up.

Harvard Business Review

"Don't screw it up," Brown said.

The Washington Post

But Trump will probably screw it up.

The Washington Post

I can't let that screw it up".

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise, we're going to screw it up.

The New Yorker

Don't screw it up, now kiddo.

The Guardian - Books

Are they gonna screw it up?

The Guardian

Presuming they don't screw it up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "screw it up", be mindful of your audience and the context, as it is an informal expression that might not be suitable for formal settings. Consider using a more professional alternative like "make a mistake".

Common error

Avoid using "screw it up" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more appropriate phrases like "fail to execute properly" or "make an error" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "screw it up" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate in a sentence. It expresses the action of ruining or making a mistake. Ludwig shows examples where it's used to describe potential failures and actual mistakes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "screw it up" is a common and informal phrasal verb used to express the act of ruining something or making a mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct but is more appropriate for casual conversation than formal writing. While frequently found in news and media, it's essential to consider the context and audience before using it. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "make a mistake" or "fail to execute". Remember to avoid overusing it in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mess it up

Changes "screw" to "mess", which is a slightly milder and more general term for making a mistake.

botch it

Replaces the entire phrase with a single verb, "botch", implying a clumsy or inept failure.

foul it up

Substitutes "screw" with "foul", suggesting a dirty or unpleasant failure.

ruin it

Replaces "screw it up" with "ruin it", indicating a complete and irreversible failure.

muck it up

Uses "muck" instead of "screw", connoting a messy or confused failure.

make a hash of it

Replaces the entire phrase with an idiom, implying a chaotic and disorganized failure.

drop the ball

Uses a sports-related idiom to suggest failing to fulfill a responsibility or expectation.

flub it

Replaces the phrase with "flub it", suggesting a minor and often embarrassing mistake.

spoil it

Substitute "screw" with "spoil", suggesting that something was good but has now been ruined.

err

Replaces the entire phrase with a single verb, implying a mistake or deviation from what's right.

FAQs

What does "screw it up" mean?

The phrase "screw it up" means to ruin something, make a mistake, or fail at something. It is an informal way of expressing that something has gone wrong.

What can I say instead of "screw it up"?

You can use alternatives like "mess it up", "botch it", or "ruin it" depending on the context.

Is "screw it up" appropriate in formal writing?

No, "screw it up" is an informal expression and is generally not appropriate for formal writing. Use more professional alternatives in formal contexts.

How to use "screw it up" in a sentence?

You can use "screw it up" in sentences like "I was afraid I would "screw it up" during the presentation" or "They had one chance, and they didn't want to "screw it up".