we were wrong to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were wrong to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging a mistake or error in judgment regarding a specific action or decision. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, we were wrong to assume that the project would succeed without additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

We were wrong to think.

The New Yorker

"We were wrong to air that material".

The New York Times

And that we were wrong to put him on air".

The Guardian

It turns out that we were wrong to applaud.

The New York Times

We were wrong to say that Gareth Myatt is the youngest person to die in custody.

The Guardian

It doesn't mean he's bad, or that we were wrong to elect him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Maybe we're wrong to expect more.

The New York Times - Arts

"Yet Thaw's Morse deserved to die and we are wrong to mourn him".

The New York Times

Maybe we are wrong to look for the label in the garment.

The New York Times

He argued that we are wrong to equate comfort and convenience – the total absence of pain and struggle – with happiness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But we are wrong to say this is a different world, where different rules of personal behaviour apply.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were wrong to", clearly state the action or belief that was mistaken to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were wrong to" without specifying what the error was. Be specific to ensure accountability and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were wrong to" functions as an apology or admission of error. It's used to acknowledge a past action, decision, or belief that is now recognized as incorrect. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase correctly identifies an error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were wrong to" is a common and grammatically correct way to admit a mistake or misjudgment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, and also present in science and business, the phrase serves to express regret, take responsibility, and often initiate corrective action. Remember to clearly specify the action or belief that was mistaken when using this phrase to ensure clarity and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we made a mistake in

A straightforward and common way to acknowledge an error.

we were incorrect to

Directly states the inaccuracy of a previous action or belief.

we erred in

Implies a formal admission of a mistake.

we should not have

Indicates an action that, in retrospect, was ill-advised.

we acknowledge our error in

Formally recognizes and admits a mistake.

we now realize our error in

Emphasizes a current understanding of a past mistake.

in hindsight, we were mistaken to

Highlights the recognition of an error with the benefit of later knowledge.

it was a misjudgment on our part to

Emphasizes the error as a lapse in judgment.

our assessment was flawed

Focuses on the incorrect evaluation or analysis that led to the mistake.

we regret

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about a past action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "we were wrong to" in a sentence?

Use "we were wrong to" to admit a mistake or misjudgment, followed by the action or belief that was incorrect. For example, "We were wrong to underestimate the project's complexity."

What's a more formal way to say "we were wrong to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we erred in" or "we acknowledge our error in", depending on the context.

Is "we were wrong to" the same as "we made a mistake in"?

While similar, "we were wrong to" implies a specific action or decision was incorrect, whereas "we made a mistake in" is a more general admission of error.

What are some alternatives to "we were wrong to" in academic writing?

In academic writing, you could use phrases like "our assessment was flawed" or "in hindsight, we were mistaken to" to maintain a formal tone.