something went amiss

USAGE SUMMARY

'something went amiss' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when something goes wrong, or when something doesn't go according to plan. For example: The team had been preparing for weeks, but something went amiss on the day of the presentation and they didn't get the funding they had hoped for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I keep waiting for that call that something went amiss and the colt needs more time".

The New York Times - Sports

A8 Kenya Stumbles in Drug War Something went amiss in Kenya as the authorities tried to burn more than a ton of cocaine seized in 2004 in the largest narcotics raid in the country's history.

The New York Times

Though many shareholders and business partners say Hyperloop One remains on track despite a messy legal battle, even investors and collaborators acknowledge something went amiss.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Do the creators of the promotion have a Plan B in case something goes amiss?

The New York Times

He had felt something go amiss in his right knee in the previous set.

The New York Times - Sports

:)The tweet in question (above) suggests Mr Roberts intended to interfere with the Engine Indication Crew Alerting System (EICAS), which informs the crew when something goes amiss with a plane's engine.

The Economist

Then "boom": something goes amiss, all the effort goes down the drain, and yet another model meets its arch nemesis the shelf.

Forbes

People in our lives are just going about their business when something goes amiss -- a twitch in their leg, some dizziness, a lump, a pain, an abnormal result, an accident, an ambulance, a hospitalization, a doctor's visit, a test, a diagnosis.

Huffington Post

Should something go amiss, these people will be lifesavers.

WikiHow

That way, if something goes amiss, you can simply stand up and breathe.

WikiHow

The panel also has a display that tells you, momentarily, the speed at which you have set the cruise control and alerts you to more detailed messages on the video screen when something goes amiss.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something went amiss" to indicate a problem or error without assigning blame. This phrasing is useful when describing unexpected or undesirable outcomes in a neutral tone.

Common error

While "something went amiss" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "something went wrong" or "there was a problem" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something went amiss" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that an error or problem occurred. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its usage in describing situations where plans have deviated from expectations or where unexpected issues have arisen.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something went amiss" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a situation where an error or problem has occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It carries a neutral tone and is suitable for various contexts, including news, general discussions, and professional settings. While alternatives like "something went wrong" or "there was a problem" exist, "something went amiss" provides a distinct nuance indicating a deviation from expectations. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing and consider using synonyms to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something went wrong

Direct synonym, indicating a problem or error occurred.

something went awry

Similar to "amiss" but slightly more formal, also indicating something deviated from the expected course.

something went haywire

Indicates a chaotic or uncontrolled malfunction.

something malfunctioned

More technical, suggesting a failure of a system or device.

something failed

General term indicating lack of success or proper functioning.

there was a problem

A more general and less specific way to indicate an issue.

there was an issue

Similar to "there was a problem", often used in business contexts.

something didn't work out

Indicates a plan or attempt did not succeed.

something fell through

Suggests a plan or agreement failed to materialize.

a snag occurred

More informal and suggests a minor unexpected difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "something went amiss" to describe an unexpected problem or error. For example: "The team had planned everything meticulously, but "something went amiss" during the final presentation".

What are some alternatives to "something went amiss"?

Alternatives include "something went wrong", "something failed", or "there was a problem" depending on the context.

Is "something went amiss" formal or informal?

"Something went amiss" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "something went amiss" and "something went wrong"?

While both phrases are similar, "something went amiss" can sometimes imply a slight deviation from what was expected, whereas "something went wrong" more directly suggests a failure or error.