set things right

USAGE SUMMARY

"set things right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe taking action to fix a problem or situation that is unfair or unequal. For example, "The company needed to set things right by providing compensation to the affected employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the end, Pig helps set things right.

The New York Times - Books

Only Angelica's story, the final one, may set things right.

The New York Times - Books

With just one speech, the president can set things right".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Hopefully, he'll get the idea and set things right".

The New York Times

If you deal with problems swiftly and set things right, people are impressed.

The New York Times

In many of these photos, we can easily envision someone coming along to set things right.

The New Yorker

Great strides have been made to set things right, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Dwayne Johnson plays Roadblock, who leads the surviving Joes on a mission to set things right.

The New York Times

In Afghanistan, it is almost certainly not too late to set things right.

The New Yorker

That intervention set things right, but the popularity of the breed remained.

The New York Times

Ever since, he and his staff have been trying to set things right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set things right", consider the specific context to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning. For example, in a business context, it may refer to correcting a financial error, while in a personal context, it could mean repairing a relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "set things right" in highly formal or technical writing. While the phrase is widely understood, more precise and formal language may be preferable in certain professional settings. Consider alternatives like "rectify the situation" or "correct the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set things right" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the action of correcting a mistake, injustice, or imbalance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct usage in written English. The examples provided show its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Books

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set things right" is a very common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe actions aimed at correcting a mistake, injustice, or imbalance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, with a predominantly neutral register, fitting for News & Media, Business, Arts and other sources. Although broadly applicable, more formal wording might be needed for technical or official writing. When considering alternate wording to "set things right", focus on the specific nuance you intend to convey, with alternatives like "correct the situation", "right the wrong" or remedy the situation providing options for varying degrees of formality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right the wrong

Specifically addresses the correction of an injustice or immoral act.

correct the situation

Focuses on fixing a specific circumstance that has gone awry.

rectify the problem

Emphasizes the action of correcting a problem or issue.

make amends

Implies taking action to compensate for a past mistake or wrongdoing.

amend the error

Highlights the act of formally correcting a mistake.

remedy the situation

Suggests providing a cure or solution to an undesirable situation.

resolve the issue

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem or conflict.

turn things around

Focuses on reversing a negative trend or situation.

put things back on track

Suggests restoring progress or order after a disruption.

restore balance

Highlights the act of bringing equilibrium back to a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "set things right" in a sentence?

You can use "set things right" to describe actions taken to correct a mistake or injustice. For example: "The company implemented new policies to "correct the situation" and "set things right" after the scandal."

What is a synonym for "set things right"?

Synonyms for "set things right" include "rectify the problem", "right the wrong", and "make amends". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "set things right" and "set things straight"?

"Set things right" implies correcting an error or injustice, while "set things straight" often means clarifying a misunderstanding or providing accurate information. The first focuses on fixing a problem; the second, on clearing up confusion.

Is "set things right" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "set things right" may be too informal for highly formal or technical contexts. In such cases, consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "remedy the situation" or "amend the error".