screw up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "screw up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe making a mistake, like if someone did something wrong or ruined something. For example: "I totally screwed up my calculus test; I forgot to study!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I didn't screw up.

The New Yorker

Sometimes I screw up.

The New York Times - Magazine

He didn't screw up".

The New York Times

We all screw up".

The New York Times

Don't screw up".

The New York Times

If I screw up, I screw up".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

What a screw-up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Again, what a screw-up.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was a screw-up".

The New York Times

A. I was a screw-up basically.

The New York Times

"That's my screw-up," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "screw up" in writing, ensure that the context is appropriate for its informal tone. It's generally suitable for casual conversations, personal narratives, and less formal business settings.

Common error

Avoid using "screw up" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "err", "make an error", or "fail to execute properly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "screw up" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating the act of making a mistake or performing poorly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it describing personal failures, systemic errors, and potential for mistakes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "screw up" is a common and informal phrasal verb used to express the act of making a mistake or ruining something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources indicates a generally informal register. When writing, it's best to reserve "screw up" for casual contexts and opt for more formal alternatives, such as "make a mistake" or "err", in professional or academic settings. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between "screw up" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mess up

Similar to "screw up", this suggests that something is in disarray or ruined.

make a mistake

This is a general term for doing something incorrectly or erroneously.

slip up

This phrase denotes a small or unintentional error.

make a mess of

This alternative directly implies creating disorder or failing to handle something properly.

foul up

This suggests that something has been made impure or has failed.

botch

This indicates clumsily or inefficiently doing something.

bungle

This refers to carrying out a task clumsily or incompetently, leading to failure or poor results.

blunder

This implies a gross or stupid mistake.

drop the ball

This idiom refers to failing to fulfill a responsibility or commitment.

err

This is a formal term to be incorrect in judgment or conduct.

FAQs

What does the phrase "screw up" mean?

The phrase "screw up" means to make a mistake or to ruin something.

How can I use "screw up" in a sentence?

You can use "screw up" to express that someone has made a mistake, like in the sentence, "I didn't want to "mess up" the presentation."

What can I say instead of "screw up"?

You can use alternatives like "make a mistake", "mess up", or "botch" depending on the context.

Is "screw up" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "screw up" is generally considered informal. Use more formal alternatives such as "err" or "make an error" in formal writing.