that is wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disagreement or to point out an error or mistake. Example: "I'm sorry, but that statement you made is wrong. The correct information can be found in our company's policy manual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

So Florida, that is wrong.

The New York Times

Friends, that is wrong.

The Guardian

The problem that is wrong.

The New York Times

Don't write a story that is wrong.

The Guardian

It is the city that is wrong.

The New York Times

There is much that is wrong.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Of course, that was wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

I think that is wrong-minded".

The New York Times

Wait, that's wrong.

The New Yorker

Clearly that's wrong.

The New York Times

Say: 'That's wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that is wrong", ensure clarity about what specifically is incorrect to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "that is wrong", specify, "the calculation in that report is wrong".

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "that is wrong" without explaining why something is wrong. This can come across as dismissive and unhelpful. Always provide a reason or correction to support your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is wrong" functions as a declarative statement used to express disagreement, contradiction, or the identification of an error. It serves to directly refute a preceding statement or action. As Ludwig AI says, it's often employed to point out a mistake.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is wrong" is a direct and commonly used expression to indicate disagreement, error, or contradiction. As per Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and holds a neutral register, suitable for various situations, although sensitivity to the audience and social context is advised. When using this phrase, providing specific reasons for the disagreement or correction is crucial to avoid ambiguity and promote constructive communication. Consider alternatives like "that is inaccurate" or "I beg to differ" for more formal or diplomatic scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's incorrect

This alternative employs a contraction to convey the same message with slightly less formality.

that is inaccurate

This phrase utilizes a different adjective to indicate the information presented is not precise or correct.

that is a mistake

This alternative directly labels the statement or action as an error.

that's not right

Using more informal language, this option suggests something is amiss or incorrect.

that is simply not true

This option emphasizes the falsity of the statement, adding a layer of conviction.

that's a false statement

This clearly identifies the statement as untrue, making it a more direct declaration.

that is an error

This formal alternative points out a specific mistake or deviation from what is correct.

that isn't the case

This indirect expression indicates that the presented situation or claim is not factual.

that is fallacious

This option employs a more sophisticated term to suggest the statement is based on flawed reasoning.

that's way off

This informal alternative suggests the statement is significantly incorrect or misguided.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "that is wrong"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "that is inaccurate", "that is incorrect", or "that is fallacious" depending on the context.

How can I soften the statement "that is wrong"?

To soften the impact, consider saying "that is not quite right", "there seems to be a misunderstanding", or "that may not be entirely accurate".

When is it appropriate to use "that is wrong"?

"That is wrong" is suitable when directly correcting a factual error or expressing disagreement with a statement. However, consider the audience and context to avoid being overly blunt or confrontational.

Are there alternatives to "that is wrong" that are less direct?

Yes, you can use less direct alternatives such as "that is debatable", "I beg to differ", or "I have a different understanding" to express disagreement more diplomatically.