to be right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be right" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing correctness, agreement, or moral standing in a situation. Example: "In this debate, I believe I am entitled to be right based on the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had to be right.

The New York Times - Sports

turns out to be right.

The New York Times

It's got to be right".

The New Yorker

Facts had to be right.

The New York Times

Somebody's going to be right".

The New York Times - Sports

That has to be right.

The New York Times

He appeared to be right.

The Economist

Lasser didn't want to be right.

The New York Times - Sports

"But he turned out to be right".

The New York Times

"There's no way to be right.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is it enough to be right?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be right" when you want to emphasize not just factual correctness but also a sense of justification or moral high ground.

Common error

While "to be right" is generally acceptable, overuse can sound boastful or less sophisticated. Opt for alternatives like "to be correct" or "to be accurate" in formal writing to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be right" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a complement to a verb or adjective. It expresses the state of being correct, justified, or accurate in a particular context. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Social Media

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be right" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express correctness, accuracy, or justification. Ludwig provides ample examples across diverse contexts, from news and media to academia, highlighting its versatility. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "to be correct" in highly formal settings. The analysis of various sources confirms its widespread acceptance and utility in conveying the idea of being correct or justified in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be correct

Focuses on factual accuracy, similar to "to be right" in many contexts.

to be accurate

Emphasizes precision and exactness, closely related to being right.

to be justified

Highlights the validity or legitimacy of a belief or action.

to be vindicated

Suggests being proven correct after initial doubt or opposition.

to be proven

Emphasizes the establishment of correctness through evidence.

to hold true

Indicates that something remains valid or correct over time.

to be on the mark

Implies accuracy in hitting a target or achieving a goal.

to be spot on

An informal way of saying "to be right" or accurate.

to get it right

Focuses on the action of achieving correctness.

to have it right

Suggests possessing correct information or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "to be right" in a sentence?

You can use "to be right" in various contexts, such as "It is important "to be right" when making decisions" or "He always strives "to be right" in his arguments".

What are some alternatives to "to be right"?

Alternatives include "to be correct", "to be accurate", or "to be vindicated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "to be right" and "to be correct"?

While often interchangeable, "to be right" can imply a broader sense of justification, whereas "to be correct" usually refers to factual accuracy.

When is it more appropriate to use "to be accurate" instead of "to be right"?

Use "to be accurate" when precision and exactness are paramount, such as in scientific or technical contexts, rather than when simply stating a general truth.