then goes wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then goes wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or process that starts off well but subsequently encounters problems or issues. Example: "Everything seemed perfect at the start of the project, but then goes wrong when the budget was cut unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I don't mind playing someone who is seen as a baddie, but there is something a bit Blackadder about Oenone – the way she keeps saying, 'I have another cunning plan,' which then goes wrong.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What went right then went wrong Sunday, despite a roster in better health than at any point this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Rackspace's generators kicked in but, as we've seen before, lots of other things can then go wrong.

TechCrunch

"Stuart Pearce came into Manchester City and had a fantastic 'Honeymoon Period' and then went wrong - and did the same with the England Under-21s.

BBC

What, then, went wrong?

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

A wind could come up, you could lose your balance, and any number of things could then go wrong.

WikiHow

Then something goes wrong.

The New York Times

Then something new goes wrong, and the process starts again.

The Economist

But then a heist goes wrong, and a bank teller (Rebecca Hall) is taken hostage.

The New York Times

Of course, then, when something goes wrong, they immediately start pointing the finger".

The New York Times - Sports

But then a heist goes wrong, and a young bank teller (Rebecca Hall) is taken hostage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then goes wrong" to clearly indicate a point of failure or deviation in a process or plan. This is particularly useful in narratives or analyses where highlighting the sequence of events is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "then goes wrong" in highly formal or academic writing where more sophisticated or nuanced language may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "encounters difficulties" or "proves problematic" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then goes wrong" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking a prior action or state to a subsequent undesirable outcome. As seen in examples, it often describes a deviation from an expected or planned course of events. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then goes wrong" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a shift from a positive or neutral state to a problematic one. According to Ludwig, its common contexts include News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While versatile, it's less suited for formal writing where alternatives like "encounters difficulties" might be more appropriate. Remember to use this phrase to pinpoint when and how things deviate from the expected course. Consider alternatives like "turns sour" or "deteriorates" for similar meanings. In essence, understanding its nuances helps you use it effectively in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

then goes awry

Indicates a deviation from the expected or planned course, suggesting something has gone wrong.

then takes a turn for the worse

Indicates a change from bad to even worse conditions.

then turns sour

Emphasizes a negative change in circumstances; implies a shift from pleasant to unpleasant.

then deteriorates

Highlights a gradual decline in quality or condition.

then collapses

Suggests a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

then takes a nosedive

Suggests a sudden and rapid decline, often in a dramatic fashion.

then falls apart

Implies disintegration or failure due to internal weaknesses.

then goes haywire

Suggests a loss of control or a chaotic situation arising after a certain point.

then unravels

Conveys a sense of something complex gradually falling apart or disintegrating.

then proves problematic

Highlights that issues or difficulties arise subsequently.

FAQs

How can I use "then goes wrong" in a sentence?

Use "then goes wrong" to indicate that something initially promising or correct takes an unfortunate turn. For instance, "The initial plan was perfect, but "then goes wrong" when the funding was cut."

What are some alternatives to "then goes wrong"?

Alternatives include "then turns sour", "then deteriorates", or "then takes a turn for the worse", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "then goes wrong" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "then goes wrong" is generally better suited for informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "encounters difficulties" or "proves problematic".

What does "then goes wrong" imply?

"Then goes wrong" implies that a situation or process that was initially on track or positive has subsequently encountered problems or failures. It highlights a negative change or deviation from the expected outcome.