simply incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is straightforwardly wrong or not accurate. Example: "The statement made in the report is simply incorrect and needs to be revised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's simply incorrect".

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's simply incorrect.

The New York Times

To assert otherwise is simply incorrect".

The New York Times

The historic belief that information only flows in one direction, from the genome, is simply incorrect.

University of California, Berkeley

"I was simply incorrect," Mr. Romney said on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" on ABC.

The New York Times

At one level, one could see Giuliani's statements as simply incorrect.

The New Yorker

"But to suggest that we've abandoned him or anybody … is simply incorrect and not helpful.

The Guardian

Any suggestion in the book to the contrary is simply incorrect".

The New York Times

Suggestions that this process is a random exercise are simply incorrect".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It also blinds him to the widely apparent truth that his politics are not simply incorrect they're also wrong.

The New Yorker

"That's simply incorrect," General Clark said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simply incorrect", follow it with a correction or the accurate information to provide clarity and context.

Common error

While "simply incorrect" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced or detailed explanations of the errors, instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply incorrect" functions as an adverbial modifier that intensifies the adjective "incorrect". It serves to emphasize the degree to which something is wrong, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply incorrect" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to assert that something is plainly wrong. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific and academic contexts. While versatile, it’s best to consider your audience when using the phrase. Be mindful not to overuse it in highly formal situations where more nuanced language might be preferable. Alternatives such as "patently false" or "categorically wrong" may be more suitable in certain contexts. Overall, understanding the function, purpose, and register of "simply incorrect" allows for effective communication in a variety of scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently false

Emphasizes the obviousness and ease of detection of the falsehood.

blatantly untrue

Highlights the shameless or brazen nature of the incorrectness.

categorically wrong

Indicates a firm and decisive rejection of the statement as incorrect.

demonstrably false

Suggests that the incorrectness can be proven through evidence.

plainly mistaken

Focuses on the idea of error rather than intentional deception.

utterly wrong

Stresses the completeness and degree of incorrectness.

entirely inaccurate

Highlights the lack of accuracy and precision.

wholly fallacious

Implies a deeper flaw in reasoning or logic.

decidedly incorrect

Suggests a clear and unambiguous determination of being wrong.

indisputably wrong

Emphasizes that the incorrectness cannot be reasonably questioned.

FAQs

How can I use "simply incorrect" in a sentence?

You can use "simply incorrect" to directly state that a fact or statement is wrong. For example, "The claim that the Earth is flat is "simply incorrect"."

What phrases are similar to "simply incorrect"?

Alternatives to "simply incorrect" include "patently false", "blatantly untrue", or "categorically wrong". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "simply incorrect" in formal writing?

While understandable, "simply incorrect" may be too direct for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives that provide more detailed explanations of the errors.

What's the difference between "simply incorrect" and "partially incorrect"?

"Simply incorrect" indicates that something is entirely wrong, while "partially incorrect" suggests that only some aspects are flawed. For example, "The equation was "simply incorrect"", versus "The calculation was "partially incorrect", but the overall approach was valid."