that would be wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"that would be wrong" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express disagreement or disapproval of a proposed action or statement. Example: "I cannot support your decision to lie to your boss. That would be wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In my eyes, that would be wrong".

The New York Times - Magazine

But as Mr. Owens said, that would be wrong.

The New York Times

Not because that would be wrong but because he might know what I drive.

The New York Times

But as Richard Nixon might have said in another context, that would be wrong.

The New York Times

But - cue that noise poker machines make when you're wrong, Bump-bow - that would be wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

"If you say to Marc, 'Don't bite somebody's fucking head off!,' that would be wrong," Horowitz said.

The New Yorker

If they use these results as a reason to pick, dig and pry some more, that would be wrong".

The New York Times - Sports

("Not to make fun of PTSD, or anything," I might add to one character's comment. "Because that would be wrong").

The Guardian - Books

His classic review of Max Ophuls's supposed masterpiece, "Lola Montes," a review mercifully included here as the finale to his oddly meager selection, tells you in advance everything that would be wrong about the auteur theory.

The New York Times - Books

Krista stated that it made sense for cats and dogs to share a common ancestor at some point, but "that apes and humans have a common ancestor that would be wrong".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

No, that would be wrong.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that would be wrong" to express disagreement or disapproval diplomatically. It's less confrontational than saying "you're wrong".

Common error

Avoid using "that would be wrong" when a situation is more nuanced or subjective. Consider whether "that would be ill-advised" or "that would be inappropriate" might be more accurate if there's room for interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would be wrong" functions as a judgmental statement, expressing disapproval, disagreement, or a moral objection to a hypothetical action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that would be wrong" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for expressing disagreement or moral objection. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in diverse contexts, especially news and media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific situation and whether a more nuanced or formal alternative might be more appropriate. By avoiding overuse in absolute terms and recognizing the ethical implications, you can use this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that would be incorrect

Replaces "wrong" with a more formal synonym, "incorrect".

that is simply wrong

Adds emphasis to the wrongness of the action.

that would be inappropriate

Suggests the action is unsuitable for the situation, rather than inherently wrong.

that would be unethical

Emphasizes the violation of ethical principles.

that would be unacceptable

Implies the action would not be tolerated or allowed.

that would be morally wrong

Specifies the ethical dimension of the wrongness.

that would be ill-advised

Indicates the action is not a good idea, suggesting potential negative consequences.

that would be out of line

Suggests the action exceeds acceptable boundaries.

that's not the right thing to do

A more direct and general statement of disapproval.

that would be a mistake

Focuses on the potential negative outcome of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "that would be wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "that would be wrong" to express disapproval or disagreement with a proposed action. For example, "Lying to protect him? "That would be wrong"."

What is a more formal alternative to "that would be wrong"?

A more formal alternative is "that would be inappropriate" or "that would be unacceptable".

Is "that would be wrong" always a suitable response?

While grammatically correct, "that would be wrong" may not always be the most suitable response. Consider the context and whether a more specific or nuanced critique is warranted. Alternatives might be "that would be ill-advised" or "that would be a mistake".

What's the difference between "that would be wrong" and "that would be incorrect"?

"That would be wrong" is generally used in a moral or ethical context, whereas "that would be incorrect" focuses more on factual accuracy.