utterly wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is incorrect. For example, "I can't believe you think that answer is correct - it's utterly wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's completely and utterly wrong".

The New York Times

That is utterly, utterly wrong".

Independent

This pronouncement is utterly wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wrong, completely and utterly wrong.

The Guardian

Maybe Brand is utterly wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, they were utterly wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alexander called that charge "utterly wrong".

The New York Times - Sports

I was of course utterly wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fintan O'Toole's argument is utterly wrong.

The Guardian

He may well be proved utterly wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is utterly wrong," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly wrong", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being refuted. Providing a concise explanation as to why something is "utterly wrong" strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly wrong" when expressing personal preferences or opinions. This phrase is best suited for refuting objective facts or claims, not subjective viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly wrong" functions as an intensifying modifier to the adjective "wrong". It serves to emphasize the incorrectness or falsity of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly wrong" is a powerful way to express strong disagreement or to emphasize the complete inaccuracy of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts. This expression, while neutrally registered, finds its primary usage in news and media, serving to emphatically refute claims. When employing "utterly wrong", ensure it aligns with factual inaccuracies rather than subjective opinions. Remember, clarity and context are crucial for impactful communication. Alternatives, such as "completely incorrect" or "absolutely false", may offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely incorrect

Replaces "wrong" with its direct synonym "incorrect" and maintains the intensifying adverb.

absolutely false

Substitutes "wrong" with "false" and "utterly" with "absolutely" to emphasize the untruth.

entirely mistaken

Replaces "wrong" with "mistaken" and "utterly" with "entirely" indicating a complete misunderstanding.

patently untrue

Uses "patently" to highlight the obvious nature of something being untrue.

demonstrably false

Implies that the inaccuracy of something can be proven.

categorically invalid

Emphasizes that something is definitively not valid or correct.

wholly inaccurate

Uses "wholly" to stress the complete lack of accuracy.

thoroughly flawed

Highlights the presence of significant defects or errors.

dead wrong

An informal phrase to emphasize that something is very wrong.

way off base

An idiomatic expression indicating a significant deviation from the truth or accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly wrong" to strongly refute a statement or idea. For example, "His interpretation of the data is "utterly wrong"; the evidence points to the opposite conclusion."

What are some alternatives to saying "utterly wrong"?

Some alternatives include "completely incorrect", "absolutely false", or "entirely mistaken", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly wrong" in formal writing?

Yes, "utterly wrong" can be used in formal writing when a strong refutation is necessary. However, ensure that the tone remains professional and that the claim you are refuting is based on objective evidence.

What's the difference between "utterly wrong" and "slightly incorrect"?

"Utterly wrong" implies a complete and significant error, whereas "slightly incorrect" suggests a minor mistake. Using "utterly wrong" indicates a strong disagreement and a substantial deviation from the truth, while "slightly incorrect" acknowledges a small inaccuracy.