the wrong ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the wrong ones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to incorrect choices, selections, or options in various contexts. Example: "I thought I had chosen the right answers for the quiz, but it turns out I picked the wrong ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The big car companies spend hundreds of millions researching new engines and decide on the wrong ones.

Forbes

And they consider only three aspects of America's constitutional structure — and, with one exception, they're the wrong ones.

The New Yorker

Pitchers tend to fall back on comfortable mechanics, even if they might be the wrong ones.

The New York Times - Sports

"They do make the wrong ones at times and I have not changed how I felt on Wednesday.

BBC

If she bought chocolate chips on sale, I'd have a fit, because they were the wrong ones.

The New York Times

Note that the problem is simultaneously one of ruling in the right causes without also ruling in the wrong ones.

SEP

Are they really the wrong ones?

The New Yorker

Surely, the lessons it is imparting are the wrong ones.

The New York Times

All the honest answers were the wrong ones.

The New York Times - Magazine

The choices we made at times were the wrong ones.

The Guardian - Sport

That doesn't mean the questions were the wrong ones.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid repetition, consider swapping "the wrong ones" with more descriptive alternatives such as "the unsuitable choices" or "the incorrect selections", depending on your needs.

Common error

Avoid using "the wrong ones" without specifying a reference point. It is better to specify what makes them wrong (e.g., "the wrong ones for the job", rather than just "the wrong ones").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the wrong ones" functions as a noun phrase or pronoun replacement, referring to previously mentioned or implied items, people, or choices that are incorrect, unsuitable, or undesirable. Ludwig confirms its frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the wrong ones" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to denote incorrect, unsuitable, or undesirable choices or items. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and general discourse. When employing this phrase, ensuring contextual clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity. While simple and direct, consider using alternatives such as "the incorrect ones" or "the unsuitable ones" to enhance precision. "The wrong ones" will work fine and is a very popular phrase, but adding more context can make the user understand what you are referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the incorrect ones

Emphasizes factual inaccuracy or error.

the unsuitable ones

Highlights a lack of appropriateness for a specific purpose or situation.

the inappropriate ones

Focuses on a lack of suitability regarding social norms or ethical considerations.

the mistaken ones

Highlights an error in judgment or assessment.

the undesirable ones

Emphasizes the negative consequences or effects associated with the choices.

the flawed ones

Highlights imperfections or defects rendering something faulty.

the inferior ones

Implies a lower quality or standard compared to other options.

the ill-advised ones

Suggests a lack of prudence or good judgment in the selection.

the counterproductive ones

Focuses on actions or choices that yield results opposite to the intended outcome.

the unfortunate ones

Highlights bad luck or negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "the wrong ones" in a sentence?

You can use "the wrong ones" to refer to incorrect choices or options. For example, "I picked "the wrong ones" on the test" means you selected the incorrect answers.

What's a synonym for "the wrong ones"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "the wrong ones" include "the incorrect ones", "the unsuitable ones", or "the inappropriate ones".

Is it better to say "the wrong ones" or "wrong choices"?

Both "the wrong ones" and "wrong choices" are correct, but they have slightly different usages. "The wrong ones" often refers back to a previously mentioned set of options, while "wrong choices" is a more general term.

What is the difference between "the wrong ones" and "incorrect options"?

"The wrong ones" is a more conversational and general way to refer to incorrect selections. "Incorrect options" is more formal and specific, often used in academic or technical contexts.