we were incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging a mistake or error in a previous statement or action. Example: "After reviewing the data, we were incorrect in our initial assessment of the project's viability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So, it could very well be that we were incorrect in making a connection to LulzSec, and we'll share when we know for sure.

TechCrunch

That doesn't mean we were incorrect in our prediction because Apple Pay happened to launch this year.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We are incorrect.

Huffington Post

In other areas, the Peabody experts used scientific papers that we showed were incorrect (paragraph 360 in the report, for example).

The Guardian

"If you ask me whether that could protect against mistakes and what we would agree were incorrect, wrong or bad calls, the answer is no.

The New York Times - Sports

Some participants were never reached, as the addresses we had for them were incorrect.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

This suggests that the peak we identified as PCI were incorrect identified.

Clinical Proteomics

We accepted a q-value less than 15%, which indicates that 15% of the time we considered out findings to be significant, we would be incorrect.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

"These stories were incorrect.

Independent

Some addresses were incorrect.

The New Yorker

These rumours were incorrect.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When admitting an error, be specific about what you got wrong and why. Use "we were incorrect" to clearly acknowledge the mistake and take responsibility.

Common error

While admitting mistakes, avoid excessive use of the passive voice, which can dilute responsibility. For example, instead of saying "The mistake was made", say "we were incorrect in our process and that is why we made the mistake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were incorrect" functions as a declarative statement used to acknowledge and admit a mistake or error. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is commonly used to take responsibility for something being wrong. For example, "So, it could very well be that we were incorrect in making a connection to LulzSec..."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were incorrect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to acknowledge a mistake or error. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in admitting a past error or misjudgment. It's frequently found in contexts like News & Media and Science, with a neutral formality level. When using the phrase, it's best to be specific about the error and take responsibility. Alternatives include ""we were wrong"" and "we made a mistake". Avoid overusing the passive voice to ensure clarity and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were wrong

This is a more direct and common way of admitting an error.

we were mistaken

This is a simple, direct way of admitting an error in belief or understanding.

we made a mistake

This emphasizes the action of making an error, rather than the state of being incorrect.

we erred

This is a more formal and less common way of saying "we made a mistake".

we were in error

This is a slightly more formal way of saying "we were wrong".

our assessment was flawed

This focuses on the assessment process being the source of the error.

our initial understanding was inaccurate

This emphasizes that the initial understanding was not correct.

we miscalculated

This suggests that the error came from a calculation mistake.

we jumped to the wrong conclusion

This implies that the mistake came from prematurely deciding on something.

we had the wrong end of the stick

This is an idiomatic expression that means misunderstanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "we were incorrect" in a sentence?

The phrase "we were incorrect" is used to acknowledge a past mistake or error in judgment. For example, "After reviewing the data, we were incorrect in our initial assessment."

What's a simpler way to say "we were incorrect"?

A simpler alternative is "we were wrong". It's a more direct and commonly used way to admit an error.

Is it better to say "we were incorrect" or "we made a mistake"?

Both phrases are valid, but "we made a mistake" focuses on the action of making an error, while "we were incorrect" emphasizes the state of being wrong.

What's the difference between "we were incorrect" and "that was incorrect"?

"That was incorrect" refers to a specific statement or piece of information being wrong, whereas "we were incorrect" takes personal responsibility for the error.