something is not right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something is not right" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is out of place, wrong, or off. For example: "I just don't have a good feeling about this. Something is not right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Something is not right.

The New York Times - Sports

They feel that something is not right.

The New York Times

When they do, something is not right.

The New York Times

"Something is not right, David," Pattison said.

The New Yorker

Yet something is not right.

The Guardian - Business

But something is not right.

The New York Times - Arts

Something is not right about that".

The New York Times

But Laura knows something is not right.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

- Something is not right with Eli Manning.

The Guardian - Sport

"If she is reluctant to answer, something is not right.

The New York Times

You dip urine, take bloods, but something is not right.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something is not right" to express a gut feeling or intuition that a situation is off or problematic, even when concrete evidence is lacking. This is particularly effective in suspenseful or uncertain contexts.

Common error

While "something is not right" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to articulate the specific issue or concern. For instance, instead of saying "the data something is not right", specify "the data contains anomalies that require further investigation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is not right" functions as an expression of concern or suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts, indicating its role in conveying a sense that a situation is amiss, even without concrete evidence. Examples show it used in both personal and professional scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something is not right" serves as a versatile expression to convey concern, suspicion, or a general sense of unease. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and informal settings. While more formal alternatives exist, its adaptability makes it a valuable phrase. Pay attention to the context and use more precise language in formal writing. Ludwig AI provides ample evidence that "something is not right" is a reliable and frequently used expression for indicating that a situation feels amiss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something's not quite right

Adds a subtle nuance, suggesting a minor deviation from what is expected.

something feels off

Focuses on a feeling or intuition that something is wrong, rather than a definitive statement.

I sense something is wrong

Emphasizes the speaker's perception or intuition about a problem.

something seems amiss

Uses a more formal tone to indicate that something is out of place or not as it should be.

something doesn't add up

Highlights that certain details or facts are inconsistent or contradictory.

things don't seem right

Uses a more general term, focusing on the overall situation being not good.

something is out of order

Implies that a system or process is not functioning correctly.

there's something fishy going on

Introduces a tone of suspicion, suggesting potential deception or wrongdoing.

I have a bad feeling about this

Shifts the focus to a personal premonition or sense of impending trouble.

there is a problem

Provides a general, straightforward statement about an existing issue.

FAQs

How can I use "something is not right" in a sentence?

You can use "something is not right" to express a feeling that something is amiss or wrong. For example, "I walked into the room and immediately felt that "something is not right"."

What's a more formal way to say "something is not right"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "something seems amiss" or "something is out of order" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "something is not right"?

It's appropriate to use "something is not right" when you have a feeling or intuition that something is wrong or out of place, even if you cannot pinpoint the exact issue. It's suitable for both casual conversations and more serious discussions.

What are some alternatives to "something is not right" that emphasize suspicion?

If you want to convey suspicion, you can use alternatives like "there's something fishy going on" or "something doesn't add up" to suggest potential deception or wrongdoing.