something looks wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something looks wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that there is an issue or something seems off about a situation or object. Example: "After reviewing the report, I noticed that something looks wrong with the data presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

If something looks wrong, the browser warns the user about it.

The Guardian - Tech

"It will make it much easier for communities to flag early if something looks wrong," Ms. Burden said.

The New York Times

Bottom line: If something looks wrong, it probably is.

Forbes

The fact is, if something looks wrong, it probably is wrong.

HuffPost

If something looks wrong with Kershaw, Mattingly argued, it was only because he is viewed differently than other pitchers.

Los Angeles Times

That's our reference point every time we say that something "looks wrong". For example, the final S in "I'm going to the Thomases's house". When we see something like this, our eye sends an alarm that tells our brains to start applying whatever knowledge it holds.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The containers were being searched because something looked wrong.

The New York Times

The technique initially used to analyze Ramon's genes failed to identify a mutation in the gene responsible for Carney complex, though Ashley said co-author Tam Sneddon, DPhil, a clinical data scientist at Stanford Health Care who browsed through the database of Ramon's sequenced genome by hand, did notice something looked wrong.

Stanford University

Does something look wrong to you? Do you remember it being Berenstein with an E, not Berenstain with an A? If you do, you're not alone.

Vice

When faced with something that looks wrong, the first rule is to look at the raw data.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Something about it looks wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something looks wrong" when you want to express a sense of unease or suspicion based on visual observation or initial assessment. It's suitable for situations where you can't pinpoint the exact problem but sense something is off.

Common error

Avoid using "something looks wrong" in highly formal or technical documents where precise language is required. Instead, opt for more specific and professional alternatives like "the data presents inconsistencies" or "the analysis reveals discrepancies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something looks wrong" functions as an expression of concern or suspicion. It highlights a perceived issue based on initial observation, as seen in Ludwig's examples. It typically serves as a precursor to further investigation or inquiry.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something looks wrong" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express a sense of unease or suspicion about a situation. According to Ludwig, its usage is more common in news and general contexts, but less frequent in formal academic or professional settings. While acceptable for general communication, it's important to consider the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase. More formal alternatives may be appropriate in some situations. Overall, the phrase is a useful tool for signaling that further investigation or attention is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something seems off

Changes the verb and adjective to convey a similar sense of unease or incorrectness.

something appears incorrect

Replaces "looks wrong" with a more formal way of saying something seems to be not right.

something doesn't seem right

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

something is amiss

Uses a more formal and concise way to indicate that something is wrong.

there's something fishy

Implies a sense of deception or untrustworthiness.

something raises suspicion

Focuses on the aspect of causing doubt or mistrust.

something gives cause for concern

Highlights the potential for worry or alarm.

something doesn't add up

Indicates that details or facts are inconsistent or illogical.

something is questionable

Suggests that something is open to doubt or challenge.

a red flag is raised

Uses an idiomatic expression to signal a warning or problem.

FAQs

What does "something looks wrong" mean?

The phrase "something looks wrong" suggests that there's a problem or issue that is noticeable upon initial observation, even if the exact nature of the problem is not immediately clear.

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

You can use alternatives like "something seems off", "something is amiss", or "something doesn't seem right" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "something looks wrong"?

Yes, "something looks wrong" is grammatically correct. "Something" is the subject, "looks" is a linking verb, and "wrong" is an adjective describing the subject.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "something looks wrong"?

It is appropriate when you want to express a feeling that something isn't right based on a visual assessment or initial impression. It's best used in informal or neutral contexts, avoiding overly formal or technical situations.