what went wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"what went wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common phrase that is used when referring to an issue or problem. For example, "I was trying to finish this project, but what went wrong?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What went wrong here?

The New York Times

So what went wrong?

The New York Times - Food

Macroeconomics: What went wrong?

The New York Times

What went wrong?A.

The New York Times

What went wrong for Republicans?

The New York Times

What went wrong in Slovenia?

The New York Times

What went wrong at school?

The Guardian - Film

I wonder what went wrong?

The New York Times - Sports

What went wrong, chaps?

The Guardian - Business

4.58pm: "What went wrong?

The Guardian - Sport

Fix what went wrong".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what went wrong", ensure the context is clear. Specify the situation or event you're referring to for clarity. For instance, instead of just saying "what went wrong?", say "what went wrong with the project?"

Common error

While "what went wrong" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound informal in highly professional settings. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "what caused the failure?" or "what factors contributed to the negative outcome?"

Linguistic Context

"What went wrong" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the reasons behind an error, failure, or undesirable outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application across various scenarios, from project failures to relationship issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what went wrong" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to inquire about the causes of a problem or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts. While it is suitable for neutral communication, more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional settings. Usage patterns reveal that it is most prevalent in news and media sources. The phrase prompts reflection and investigation, aiming to identify causes and remedies. Overall, it serves as a crucial tool for understanding and addressing undesirable outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was the problem

Focuses on identifying the specific problem that occurred.

what caused the failure

Highlights the cause of a failure, emphasizing the breakdown.

what was the reason for the mistake

Zeroes in on the reason behind a mistake or error.

where did things go awry

Uses a more figurative expression to ask where the situation deviated from the intended course.

what happened to cause this

Explores the events that led to the current undesirable situation.

how did this happen

Seeks an explanation for how a particular event or situation came about.

what were the contributing factors

Looks at the various elements that played a role in the outcome.

what's the explanation

Asks for a general explanation of an event or situation.

where was the misstep

Identifies the specific point at which an error or mistake occurred.

what led to this outcome

Focuses on the chain of events that resulted in the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "what went wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "what went wrong" to inquire about the cause of a problem or failure. For example, "After the experiment failed, we analyzed "what went wrong" to prevent future mistakes."

What's a more formal alternative to "what went wrong"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "what caused the failure", "what were the contributing factors", or "what led to this".

Is "what went wrong" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what went wrong" is grammatically correct. It functions as a question using an interrogative pronoun (what) and a verb phrase (went wrong).

What is the difference between "what went wrong" and "what happened"?

"What happened" is a broader question that seeks a general account of events, whereas "what went wrong" specifically asks about the cause of a problem or failure.