something inherently wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something inherently wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has an imbalance or fundamental flaw. For example, "There's something inherently wrong with a system that rewards those who already have the most resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

There is something inherently wrong with it".

The New York Times - Sports

"There is something inherently wrong with that number.

The New York Times

But it does mean that it's incorrect to say that there's something inherently wrong about taking the other side of the trade from a client.

The New Yorker

"But there is something inherently wrong when getting rich off failures and sticking it to someone else is how you do your business.

The New York Times

And while these agitators won't admit it, the nasty subtext to their attack is that there is something inherently wrong with blacks.

The New York Times

This policing and hyper-vigilance translates to the society telling the woman that there is something inherently wrong with her body.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

They also pushed back on the idea that something is inherently wrong with the aircraft development process within Boeing.

The Washington Post

Many people also seem to agree with the appeals court in the light bulb case: that unlike racism, which is inherently wrong, there is something natural about the old making way for the young.

The New York Times

Ed Miliband's decision to market himself as something inherently uninspiring is indicative of everything that's wrong with British politics.

Vice

Perhaps there is nothing inherently wrong with credential-seeking, but it seems like something that does not belong in Silicon Valley.

TechCrunch

There is nothing inherently wrong with the children or wives of politicians seeking high office, but there is definitely something wrong when people start treating them as heirs to the throne rather than candidates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something inherently wrong", ensure the context clearly indicates what that 'something' is. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "something inherently wrong" as a substitute for more specific criticisms. While it conveys a strong sense of disapproval, overusing it can make your writing seem vague and less impactful. Try to identify the specific inherent issue instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something inherently wrong" functions as a subjective assessment of a situation, indicating a fundamental or intrinsic flaw. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something inherently wrong" is a powerful tool for expressing concern or disapproval about a fundamental flaw. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and finds frequent use in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly identifies what 'something' refers to and to avoid overuse in order to maintain its impact. Remember, specifying the issue or concern precisely will make your writing more persuasive. Alternatives like "fundamentally flawed" or "intrinsically defective" can be useful depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently problematic

Highlights the troublesome or difficult nature of the issue.

fundamentally flawed

Focuses on the presence of a deep, underlying flaw.

intrinsically defective

Highlights the inherent nature of the defect.

built-in defect

Suggests a flaw that was present from the beginning.

basically incorrect

Indicates a foundational error or mistake.

structurally deficient

Focuses on the inadequate or faulty construction of something.

essentially unsound

Emphasizes the lack of a solid or healthy base.

constitutionally invalid

Implies a violation of fundamental principles or laws.

at its core, wrong

Identifies the problem as existing at the very center of the issue.

wrong at heart

Implies a moral or ethical deficiency at the root of the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "something inherently wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "something inherently wrong" to describe a fundamental flaw or problem with a system, idea, or object. For example, "There is "something inherently wrong" with a political system that allows corruption to flourish".

What's the difference between "something inherently wrong" and "something fundamentally wrong"?

While both phrases indicate a deep problem, "something fundamentally wrong" emphasizes the foundational aspect of the problem, while "something inherently wrong" highlights that the problem is an intrinsic part of the subject.

What can I say instead of "something inherently wrong"?

Alternatives include "fundamentally flawed", "intrinsically defective", or "inherently problematic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "something inherently wrong" in formal writing?

Yes, "something inherently wrong" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious issues or critical analyses. However, ensure the context supports such a strong assertion and avoid overuse to maintain the impact.