something is wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"something is wrong" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express that there is a problem or issue that needs to be addressed. Example: "I can't quite put my finger on it, but something is wrong with the new marketing strategy. We need to go back to the drawing board and figure out what's not working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

But something is wrong.

The New York Times

Something is wrong, we thought.

The New York Times

So something is wrong there.

The Washington Post

And something is wrong with Yemen's.

The New York Times

The others return; something is wrong.

The New Yorker

"That tells me something is wrong, internally.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But something was wrong.

The New York Times

Clearly, something was wrong.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He sensed something was wrong.

The New Yorker

Something was wrong, Capt.

The New York Times

I thought something was wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something is wrong", clearly identify what the "something" refers to for better clarity. For example: "Something is wrong with the car's engine."

Common error

Avoid using "something is wrong" without providing context. Instead of saying "Something is wrong", specify the problem: "The data doesn't match the projections, indicating an error in the analysis."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is wrong" functions as a statement of concern or observation. It indicates that there is a perceived problem, error, or issue that requires attention. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a common and correct phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something is wrong" is a widely used expression to signal a problem or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and commonality in English writing. While versatile, specifying the "something" enhances clarity. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, making it suitable for a variety of situations. When precision is paramount, especially in formal or technical contexts, more specific alternatives might be more appropriate. However, in general conversation and less formal settings, "something is wrong" serves as a straightforward way to express unease or a need for investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's something amiss

Replaces "wrong" with "amiss", implying a deviation from what is expected or correct.

something's not right

Uses a more conversational tone, replacing "is wrong" with "is not right".

there's a problem

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct statement indicating an issue.

something feels off

Focuses on a subjective feeling that something is not as it should be.

there is an issue

Uses a more formal term, "issue", instead of "problem" or "wrong".

a problem exists

States the existence of a problem in a more assertive manner.

everything is not okay

Expresses a broader sense of unease, implying that multiple things may be wrong.

there's trouble brewing

Suggests that a problem is developing or about to occur.

matters are not as they should be

A more formal and elaborate way of saying something is wrong, often used in serious contexts.

a red flag has been raised

Implies that a warning sign or indication of a problem has appeared.

FAQs

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

You can use "something is wrong" to express that there's a problem or issue you've noticed. For example, "The car is making a strange noise; I think "something is wrong"".

What phrases are similar to "something is wrong"?

Similar phrases include "something's not right", "there's a problem", or "something feels off", which all suggest that there is an issue or concern.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "something is wrong"?

Yes, being specific is generally better. Instead of just stating ""something is wrong"", try to identify the issue. For example, instead of ""something is wrong" with the computer", say "the computer won't turn on".

Can "something is wrong" be used in formal writing?

While acceptable, "something is wrong" is more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "there is a discrepancy" or "an error has occurred" for clearer and more professional communication.