something wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'something wrong' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or circumstance where something may be inaccurate, off, or undesirable. For example: "There's something wrong with the accounts; I think we should have a closer look."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Otherwise, there's something wrong.

The New York Times

There was something wrong".

The New York Times - Magazine

There's something wrong there".

The New Yorker

Is something wrong?

The New York Times - Arts

"There's something wrong here".

The New York Times

"There is something wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was like, There's something wrong, there's something wrong!

The New Yorker

Did I do something wrong?

The New York Times

Are we doing something wrong?

The New York Times

There's something wrong with you".

The New York Times

Is something wrong with us?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something wrong", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'something' refers to, or follow up with specifics to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "something wrong" repeatedly without clarifying the specific issue. Replace some instances with more descriptive terms to enhance clarity and provide actionable insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something wrong" typically functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a state of being or a potential issue that requires attention. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common and understandable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something wrong" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a problem or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable for use in written English. Its frequency is high across various domains, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it is a useful phrase, it's often beneficial to be more specific to enhance clarity. Remember to consider context and register when choosing between "something wrong" and its alternatives. When writing, avoid overuse of vague language, replace generic sentences with actionable ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something amiss

Indicates a general sense that something is not right or as it should be. It is slightly more formal.

something's not right

A more casual way of saying something is wrong, often implying a gut feeling or intuition.

there's a problem

Focuses specifically on the existence of an issue that needs to be addressed.

something is the matter

Often used as a question to inquire if someone is experiencing a problem or difficulty.

something is off

Suggests that something deviates from the norm or expected state. More informal.

something isn't adding up

Implies that facts or details are inconsistent or contradictory, suggesting a potential problem.

there's an issue

A more formal way of saying there's a problem.

something is faulty

Specifically indicates that something is defective or not functioning correctly.

something defective

Emphasizes a flaw or imperfection that affects functionality.

something awry

A formal way of indicating that something has gone wrong or is out of order.

FAQs

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

You can use "something wrong" to express concern or suspicion that an issue exists. For example, "I think there's "something wrong" with the car; it's making a strange noise."

What are some alternatives to "something wrong"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "something amiss", "there's a problem", or "something's not right" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While "something wrong" is acceptable, being specific can often provide more clarity. Instead of saying "something wrong", try to identify the actual issue. For example, instead of "something wrong with the computer", say "the computer won't turn on".

How formal is the phrase "something wrong"?

"Something wrong" is generally considered informal and suitable for everyday conversation. In more formal or professional settings, consider using alternatives like "there is an issue" or "there is a problem".