something went wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'something went wrong' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express that an event did not happen as expected or anticipated. For example: We were all set for the picnic, but something went wrong and it had to be cancelled.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Something went wrong".

The New York Times - Sports

But something went wrong.

The New York Times

But then something went wrong.

The New Yorker

Obviously something went wrong.

The New York Times

But something went wrong during the stunt.

The New Yorker

Mr. Trucks said simply: "Something went wrong.

The New York Times

But then, something went wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

— Something went wrong, she said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But something goes wrong.

The New York Times - Books

Until something goes wrong.

The New York Times

What if something goes wrong?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something went wrong", consider the audience and context. In formal settings, consider a slightly more technical or specific alternative if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "something went wrong" repeatedly in formal documents or reports. While clear, it can sound vague. Substitute with more specific error descriptions where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something went wrong" functions as a statement indicating that an error or problem occurred. It is a common way to express that an expected outcome was not achieved. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something went wrong" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that an error or problem has occurred. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in English. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, although more specific language may be preferred in formal or technical settings. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to inform about a failure or malfunction without delving into specific details. When writing, it's important to consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended level of formality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there was a problem

This alternative offers a more general way to indicate an issue, without specifying the cause.

things didn't go as planned

This emphasizes the deviation from the intended course of events.

something failed

A direct way of stating that something was unsuccessful.

there was an error

This alternative is more specific, suggesting a mistake or malfunction occurred.

it didn't work out

This is a more informal way of saying that something failed to achieve the desired outcome.

a mistake happened

This focuses on the action of making a mistake, rather than the state of something being wrong.

there was a glitch

This term implies a sudden, unexpected, and usually temporary malfunction.

an issue arose

This suggests a problem emerged, often unexpectedly.

it backfired

This suggests that an action had the opposite of its intended effect.

a snag occurred

This implies a minor, often temporary, difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "something went wrong" to indicate that an unexpected error or problem occurred. For example: "The presentation was ready, but "something went wrong" during the upload process."

What are some alternatives to "something went wrong"?

Alternatives include "there was a problem", "there was an error", or "things didn't go as planned" depending on the specific context.

Is "something went wrong" formal or informal?

"Something went wrong" is generally considered neutral and can be used in many contexts. However, in highly formal or technical situations, more specific language might be preferred.

What does "something went wrong" imply?

It implies that there was an unexpected malfunction or mistake, but without specifying the details of the error. The focus is on the negative outcome rather than the cause.