things are wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are wrong" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to express a general feeling or situation where things or circumstances are not as they should be. Example: "I can sense that things are wrong in the office - there's tension between coworkers and productivity has decreased."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These things are wrong.

The New Yorker

Things are wrong here.

The Washington Post

We know these things are wrong".

The New Yorker

It's not that these things are wrong.

The New Yorker

Two things are wrong with this suggestion.

The Guardian

That is why things are wrong".

The Guardian - Travel

"These things are wrong," Mr. Mbeki said.

The New York Times

Little things are wrong, he believes.

The New York Times - Sports

"Half the time those things are wrong," he said.

The New York Times

Two main things are wrong with WWF's approach.

The Economist

Let's count how many things are wrong with this analogy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things are wrong", clearly identify what specific elements are not as they should be to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "things are wrong" without providing any context or explanation. This can leave the reader confused and unsure of what you are referring to. Always aim for clarity and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are wrong" functions as a statement expressing a general observation or feeling that a situation or circumstances are not as they should be. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things are wrong" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that a situation is not as it should be. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and general applicability. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it is commonly employed across diverse fields, from news reporting and academic writing to more informal contexts. While versatile, it's best practice to provide specific details about what is wrong to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "something is amiss" or "something feels off" offer nuanced variations for expressing similar sentiments. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures effective communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things aren't right

Similar to the original phrase, but uses a slightly different construction.

there's something not right

A more informal way of saying that something is not as it should be.

something is not as it should be

A more formal and explicit way of indicating that something is wrong.

something is amiss

Implies a sense that something is not quite right or out of place.

something is awry

A more formal and less common way to say something is wrong or amiss.

something feels off

Suggests a more intuitive or emotional sense that something is not right.

something's gone wrong

Indicates that an error or mistake has occurred.

there's a problem

Directly states the existence of an issue or difficulty.

there are problems

Highlights the presence of multiple problems or concerns.

there are issues

Highlights the presence of multiple problems or concerns.

FAQs

How can I use "things are wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "things are wrong" to express a general feeling or situation where something is not as it should be. For example, "I can sense that "things are wrong" in the office - there's tension between coworkers and productivity has decreased."

What can I say instead of "things are wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "something is amiss", "something feels off", or "there's something not right" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "things are wrong" or "something is wrong"?

Both "things are wrong" and "something is wrong" are grammatically correct. "Things are wrong" often implies multiple issues, while "something is wrong" suggests a single, undefined problem. The choice depends on the specific context.

How can I make "things are wrong" more specific?

To make "things are wrong" more specific, follow it with a clarifying phrase or clause. For example, instead of just saying ""things are wrong"", you could say ""things are wrong" with the budget" or ""things are wrong" in our approach".