something is amiss

USAGE SUMMARY

'something is amiss' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when something is wrong or not as it should be, for example: "I don't know what happened, but something is amiss here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is there always a sign that something is amiss before the problem is brought to light?

Forbes

Something is amiss here".

The New York Times

Know when something is amiss.

The Guardian - Tech

But something is amiss with the Blueshirts.

The New York Times

That should indicate that something is amiss.

The New York Times

But he senses that something is amiss.

The Guardian - Film

Something is amiss in the world, indeed.

The New York Times - Arts

But soon you realize something is amiss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Something was amiss.

The New York Times

Clearly, something was amiss.

The New Yorker

you knew something was amiss".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something is amiss" when you want to express a sense of unease or suspicion about a situation, suggesting that there might be a problem that is not immediately obvious. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "something is amiss" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives that specify the exact nature of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is amiss" functions as a subjective assessment or observation, expressing a sense that a situation or condition is not as it should be. Ludwig's examples show it being used to introduce a potential problem or irregularity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something is amiss" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is wrong or out of place. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from neutral news reports to academic discussions. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where precision is key. Common alternatives include "something is not right" and "something seems wrong". When writing, consider the potential for more precise language to clarify the exact nature of the issue. By considering those observations you will be able to use the sentence in the most suitable way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something is not right

This alternative uses more common vocabulary to convey a similar sense of unease or suspicion.

there's something wrong

A more direct and simple way of stating a problem exists.

something is not as it should be

This is a more formal way of expressing that something is wrong or out of place.

something feels off

This phrase emphasizes a subjective feeling that something is wrong, rather than a concrete observation.

something seems wrong

This alternative is a more straightforward and less formal way of saying something is amiss.

I sense a problem

Emphasizes the intuitive feeling that something is not as it should be.

I suspect something is wrong

This suggests a reasoned guess that something is not right based on available information.

there's something fishy going on

This idiom suggests deception or a hidden problem.

there is cause for concern

This alternative highlights the potential for negative consequences.

things are not adding up

This suggests that inconsistencies or discrepancies indicate a problem.

FAQs

What does "something is amiss" mean?

It means that something is wrong, out of place, or not as it should be. It suggests a feeling that there's a problem, even if it's not immediately clear what it is.

What can I say instead of "something is amiss"?

You can use alternatives like "something is not right", "something seems wrong", or "there is something fishy going on" depending on the context.

Is "something is amiss" formal or informal?

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in writing or slightly more elevated speech. Ludwig provides examples from varied sources.

How can I use "something is amiss" in a sentence?

You can use it to express a feeling or observation that something is not right. For example: "I walked into the office and immediately sensed that "something is amiss"." or "The data doesn't match our projections; "something is amiss"."