semantically incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "semantically incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is not correct in terms of meaning, for example: The phrase "He gave his reckognization" is semantically incorrect.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In response, the normativists suggest that in such a situation the speaker's use would nevertheless be semantically incorrect and involve a violation of her semantic obligations.

SEP

Again, in semantics the situation might seem analogous: Speakers can intentionally say semantically incorrect things without their expressions losing or changing their meanings (cf. Railton 1999; Glüer & Pagin 1999; Glüer 1999 20011; Wikforss 2001).

SEP

Thus, a straightforward integration of the DTM and DLM might lead to inaccurate and semantically incorrect 3D objects.

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

This means that (ME2) fails to support the claim that when S applies a term in a way that is semantically incorrect, then she has done what she ought not do: 'semantically incorrect' and 'ought not' thus come apart.

SEP

These semantically incorrect sentences, such as "I wash my hands with horse and water" caused a big spike in brain activity 200 to 300 milliseconds after the misplaced word occurred.

Science Magazine

Does sorting S's applications into the semantically correct and the semantically incorrect ones, by itself imply that actions of one or the other of these kinds are valuable (Glüer 2001 60 611)?[21] Another option would be to construe the rules or norms of meaning as constitutive ones (cf. section 1.2 above).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A natural thought here is that semantic rules effect a distinction between (semantically) correct and incorrect use of an expression.

SEP

The team also found that the shape of the recorded brain waves in response to semantically and contextually incorrect sentences was the same, implying that the same region of the brain may be involved in recognizing both types of information.

Science Magazine

In one condition, adjectives within visually presented sentences of the structure [Det]-[Noun]-[Adjective]-[Verb] were semantically correct or incorrect.

Plosone

Thus, there was a total of 1280 experimental sentences (640 correct sentences and 320 each semantically and syntactically incorrect ones).

Plosone

The full set of experimental items involved 160 each of correct and semantically and syntactically incorrect sentences, each sentence being combined with a matching or mismatching acoustic adjective.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "semantically incorrect", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the error pertains to meaning, not grammar or syntax. Provide examples to illustrate the semantic flaw for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "semantically incorrect" when the issue is grammatical. A sentence can be grammatically correct but still be "semantically incorrect" if the meaning is nonsensical, and vice versa. Therefore, if your sentence is just grammatically wrong, don't call it 'semantically incorrect'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "semantically incorrect" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it contains an error related to meaning. It describes something that, while possibly grammatically correct, does not make logical sense. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "semantically incorrect" is a tool for pinpointing errors in meaning, setting aside issues of grammar. It thrives in academic and scientific realms, where precision is paramount. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, marking it as suitable for denoting statements that, while structurally sound, lack sense. When employing "semantically incorrect", be sure to showcase how the meaning falters to avoid confusion. In simpler terms, "semantically incorrect" is your go-to term for labelling something that makes no sense despite adhering to grammatical rules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

semantically invalid

A more formal and technical alternative, directly addressing the lack of semantic validity.

erroneous in meaning

Directly states that the meaning is incorrect or mistaken.

nonsensical

Emphasizes the absurdity and lack of sense in the statement, suggesting it is irrational or unintelligible.

devoid of meaning

Stresses the complete absence of meaningful content, highlighting the emptiness of the statement.

meaningless

Focuses on the lack of coherent meaning, emphasizing the absence of understandable content.

imprecise in semantics

Focuses on the lack of precision or accuracy in the semantic content.

logically flawed

Highlights an error in reasoning or argumentation, suggesting an inconsistency in the logical structure.

linguistically unsound

Highlights that the error lies within the linguistic structure of the sentence.

conceptually wrong

Indicates an error in the underlying concept or idea being conveyed, suggesting a fundamental misunderstanding.

factually inaccurate

Shifts the focus to the incorrectness of the information presented, highlighting a discrepancy with reality.

FAQs

How can I identify if a sentence is "semantically incorrect"?

A sentence is "semantically incorrect" if it doesn't make sense, even if it's grammatically correct. This usually happens when words are used in a way that contradicts their meaning or the context. Consider whether the sentence conveys a logical or coherent idea.

What's the difference between "semantically incorrect" and grammatically incorrect?

A grammatically incorrect sentence violates the rules of grammar, while a "semantically incorrect" sentence might be grammatically sound but its meaning is flawed or nonsensical. Consider exploring alternatives such as "grammatically incorrect".

What are some alternatives to "semantically incorrect"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "meaningless", "nonsensical", or "logically flawed" to describe something that doesn't make sense.

Can a sentence be both grammatically and "semantically incorrect"?

Yes, a sentence can suffer from both grammatical and semantic errors. It could have incorrect syntax and also convey a nonsensical meaning. If a sentence suffers from both, try "incoherent".