what's wrong with

USAGE SUMMARY

"What's wrong with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to explain why they think something is not right or acceptable. Example sentence: "What's wrong with the way I decorated the house?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"What's wrong with hipsters?

The New York Times

So: What's wrong with you?

The New York Times

"What's wrong with beer?

The New York Times

Lewis: What's wrong with innovation?

Forbes

Evolution: What's wrong with "teaching the controversy".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

What's wrong with Manning?

The New York Times

What's wrong with "reply"?

Independent

What's wrong with grasping?

The New York Times

What's wrong with us?

The New York Times

— What's wrong with it?

The New Yorker

"What's wrong with them?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what's wrong with" to directly and clearly inquire about a perceived issue or problem. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter.

Common error

Ensure the context is clear when using "what's wrong with". Vague use can lead to confusion. Specify what you are referring to (e.g. "What's wrong with the engine?" instead of just "What's wrong with it?").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's wrong with" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about a problem, issue, or deficiency related to a specific subject. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its application in various contexts, from technical issues to personal matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what's wrong with" is a versatile and commonly used interrogative phrase for inquiring about problems or issues. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to elicit explanations and prompt discussions. Although generally neutral, be mindful of its tone to avoid sounding accusatory. Consider alternatives like "what is the matter with" for a similar meaning, or solution-oriented questions for a proactive approach. When using the phrase, clarity is essential to avoid vagueness. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What is the matter with

This alternative uses "matter" instead of "wrong", focusing on the issue or problem itself.

What is the problem with

This alternative uses "problem" instead of "wrong", shifting the focus to difficulties.

What are the issues with

This alternative broadens the scope to multiple issues instead of a single problem.

What is amiss with

This alternative uses "amiss" to suggest that something is out of place or not quite right.

What is deficient about

This alternative uses "deficient" to emphasize a lack or inadequacy in something.

Where are the shortcomings of

This alternative focuses on the limitations or weaknesses of something.

What is faulty with

This alternative uses "faulty" to indicate that something has defects or flaws.

What are the drawbacks of

This alternative focuses on the disadvantages or negative aspects of something.

Why is there a problem with

This alternative includes a question on the reason that triggers the problem.

What are the cons of

This alternative uses "cons" to succinctly ask about the disadvantages.

FAQs

How can I use "what's wrong with" in a sentence?

You can use "what's wrong with" to ask about a problem or issue with something. For instance, "What's wrong with this computer?" or "What's wrong with your attitude today?".

What's a more formal way to ask "what's wrong with"?

In a more formal context, you could ask, "What is the "problem with"" or "What are the "issues with"" followed by the subject in question. This phrasing is suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it always appropriate to use "what's wrong with"?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone. Sometimes "what's wrong with" can sound accusatory. In sensitive situations, a softer approach like "Is everything alright with...?" might be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "what's wrong with" that focus on solutions?

If you want to focus on solutions, try asking "How can we improve...?" or "What steps can we take to fix...?" These phrases are more proactive and solution-oriented compared to simply pointing out a problem.