there is something wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"there is something wrong" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the opinion that there is an issue or problem with something. For example: "I can feel that there is something wrong, but I'm not sure what it is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is something wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

There is something wrong here".

The New York Times

But there is something wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

"But there is something wrong with him".

The New Yorker

"There is something wrong with that picture".

The New York Times

"There is something wrong here," he replied.

The New York Times

There is something wrong with this picture.

The New York Times

"There is something wrong with our politics".

The New York Times

There is something wrong with banking.

Stanford University

"There is something wrong with that.

The New York Times

I thought, "there is something wrong".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is something wrong" to express a general sense of unease or concern about a situation when the specific problem isn't immediately clear. It's effective for creating suspense or indicating a problem's existence without explicitly stating it.

Common error

While "there is something wrong" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. In formal contexts, consider stronger, more specific alternatives like "the data indicates inconsistencies" or "the analysis reveals critical flaws" to demonstrate a more precise understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is something wrong" functions as an existential clause expressing a general concern or indication of a problem. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to convey a sense that something is not as it should be without necessarily specifying the exact nature of the issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is something wrong" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a general sense of concern or a potential problem. Grammatically correct and widely applicable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to raise awareness and prompt investigation. While suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation, it's important to consider more specific alternatives in formal writing to convey greater precision. Remember, while often used, clarity and accuracy are key when indicating issues, making specific language preferable in formal situations. So, although "there is something wrong" is useful, being specific can enhance your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something isn't right

This alternative is a shorter, more direct way of saying something is wrong.

something feels off

This alternative focuses on a feeling or intuition that something is wrong.

there's a problem

This alternative is a more general statement indicating an issue.

something is amiss

This alternative uses a more formal and less common word to indicate something is wrong.

something seems to be the matter

This alternative is a more polite and inquisitive way of asking if something is wrong.

I sense a disturbance

This alternative is a more dramatic and figurative way of saying something is wrong.

things are not as they should be

This alternative expresses a sense of deviation from the expected or normal state.

something's not adding up

This alternative suggests that there is an inconsistency or illogical element.

there are grounds for concern

This alternative is more formal and suggests a reason to worry.

I have a bad feeling about this

This alternative conveys a sense of foreboding or unease.

FAQs

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

You can use "there is something wrong" to express a general feeling or observation that something isn't as it should be. For example: "I checked the engine and "something isn't right" with the fuel injection system."

What are some alternatives to "there is something wrong"?

Alternatives include "something is amiss", "something feels off", or "something isn't right", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "there is something wrong" or "something is wrong"?

Both "there is something wrong" and "something is wrong" are grammatically correct and have very similar meanings. The inclusion of "there is" often adds a slightly more emphatic or formal tone, but the choice largely depends on personal preference and the desired rhythm of the sentence.

When should I avoid using "there is something wrong"?

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "there is something wrong" in formal or technical writing where greater precision is expected. Instead, opt for specific descriptions of the problem. For example, rather than stating "there is something wrong with the experiment", detail the specific issues, such as "the control group exhibited unexpected behavior".