was incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something stated or done previously was not right or accurate. Example: "The answer provided by the student was incorrect, and they needed to revise their calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The advice was incorrect.

The New York Times

He was incorrect.

The New Yorker

That was incorrect.

The Economist

This was incorrect.

The Guardian

"What decision was incorrect?

Independent

His weight was incorrect.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Again, this is incorrect.

The Economist

Plainly, this is incorrect.

The Economist

"These stories were incorrect.

Independent

But that's incorrect.

The New York Times

FACT: That is incorrect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was incorrect", provide a clear explanation or correction to clarify the accurate information. This adds value and prevents further misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something "was incorrect" without explaining why or providing the correct information. This can leave the reader confused and unsure of what the actual truth is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was incorrect" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by stating that it is not correct. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it often follows a noun or pronoun to indicate that a statement, calculation, or assumption is wrong.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was incorrect" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something is wrong or inaccurate. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions as a predicate adjective and is used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase maintains a neutral tone and is often followed by an explanation to clarify the error. Alternatives such as "was wrong" or "was inaccurate" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When employing "was incorrect", ensure you provide context and corrections to enhance clarity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was wrong

Simpler phrasing using a direct synonym, focusing on the state of being wrong.

was inaccurate

Emphasizes a lack of precision or exactness in the information.

was erroneous

Highlights the presence of error or deviation from what is correct.

was mistaken

Focuses on the act of making an error or misjudgment.

was a fallacy

Indicates that the statement or idea is based on a flawed argument or reasoning.

was unfounded

Highlights the lack of evidence or basis for the claim.

was a myth

Suggests the idea is a widely believed but false notion.

was a misstatement

Emphasizes that the original statement was an incorrect representation of facts.

was a falsehood

Indicates the statement is intentionally untrue or deceitful.

was a distortion

Highlights that the statement is a twisted or exaggerated version of the truth.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "was incorrect"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "was erroneous", "was inaccurate", or "was unfounded". These options provide a more sophisticated tone while maintaining a similar meaning.

How can I use "was incorrect" in a sentence?

You can use "was incorrect" to point out a mistake in a previous statement, assumption, or piece of information. For example, "The initial calculation of the budget was incorrect, leading to an overestimation of available funds."

What's the difference between "was incorrect" and "was wrong"?

While both phrases indicate an error, "was incorrect" often implies a factual error or a deviation from a standard, whereas "was wrong" can encompass moral or ethical judgments as well. "His answer was incorrect" suggests a factual mistake, while "His behavior was wrong" implies a moral failing.

What can I say instead of "was incorrect" to soften the criticism?

To be less direct, you could use phrases like "was not quite right", "was slightly off", or "needs further review". These options are less confrontational and suggest a need for refinement rather than a complete error.