seem wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling or perception that something is incorrect or not right. Example: "The way he handled the situation just seems wrong to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Both ways seem wrong.

Independent

Censoring it would seem wrong to me.

The New Yorker

Both these worries seem wrong.

The Guardian

Mustard fruits certainly seem wrong.

The New York Times - Food

All three ways of acting seem wrong.

The New York Times

The court's new fact findings seem wrong in substance.

The New York Times

It would seem wrong to use that chair in a casual catercorner room arrangement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. McDonald's conclusion, therefore, is that "'hundreds' does not seem wrong to me".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This seems wrong.

The Economist

"This assumption seems wrong.

The New Yorker

"But it just seems wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seem wrong" consider the audience and context. While widely acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "appear incorrect" for enhanced precision.

Common error

While "seem wrong" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound vague. Instead, use more specific language to articulate why something is incorrect or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem wrong" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing an impression or feeling that something is incorrect, inappropriate, or not quite right. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem wrong" is a versatile expression used to convey a subjective feeling that something is incorrect or inappropriate. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While "seem wrong" is generally acceptable, consider using more precise language in formal settings to articulate why something is, in fact, incorrect. Alternatives such as "appear incorrect", "feel off", and "strike as wrong" can offer different nuances and levels of formality. Avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear incorrect

Emphasizes the visible or outward impression of being wrong.

feel off

Highlights a subjective sense that something is not right or correct.

strike as wrong

Suggests a sudden realization or impression of something being wrong.

come across as wrong

Focuses on the impression conveyed to others, suggesting that something is perceived as incorrect.

ring false

Implies that something sounds or feels insincere or untrue.

not sit well

Indicates that something does not feel comfortable or agreeable.

appear amiss

Suggests that something seems out of place or not quite right.

sound dubious

Highlights the questionable or doubtful nature of something.

seem inappropriate

Emphasizes that something doesn't fit a specific situation, purpose, or person.

feel inappropriate

Emphasizes that something evokes a subjective sense of wrongness because of an event/situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "seem wrong" is used to express a subjective feeling that something is incorrect or inappropriate. For example, "The decision "seemed wrong" to me, even though I couldn't explain why at the time."

What's a more formal alternative to "seem wrong"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "appear incorrect" or "strike as wrong" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is it always appropriate to use "seem wrong"?

While "seem wrong" is generally acceptable, it's best suited for situations where you want to express a subjective feeling. In situations that require objective analysis, use more precise language to explain why something is incorrect.

What's the difference between "seem wrong" and "is wrong"?

"Seem wrong" suggests a feeling or impression, while "is wrong" states a fact. "It "seemed wrong"" means you had a feeling it was wrong, but you might not have been sure. "It is wrong" means you are certain it is incorrect.