whatever goes wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"whatever goes wrong" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any situation in which something does not go as planned, for example: "We'll have to work around the budget cuts, whatever goes wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I also travel with a little Benadryl, Motrin, something for whatever goes wrong.

The New York Times

Whatever goes wrong for you today, you can take solace in the fact that you are not the New York Mets.

The New York Times

As Mr Reeves writes: "Conservatives are comfortable with the notion that parents and families matter, but too often simply blame the parents for whatever goes wrong.

The Economist

In America members of the plaintiffs' bar search constantly for ingenious ways to make whoever has the deepest pockets pay for whatever goes wrong.

The Economist

Whoever is currently in charge of an area is responsible that is, potentially blamable for whatever goes wrong in the area, even if he has inherited others' mistakes.

Harvard Business Review

He's not there to tell physicians how to scrub – he's there to be invited to hearings he doesn't want to go to and yelled at by guys like McCain and Moran and eventually blamed for whatever goes wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Whatever went wrong wasn't unique to Posh&Sticks.

The New York Times - Style

Book yourself in to help overcome whatever went wrong at A-level.

The Guardian

Whatever went wrong with the polls in this country, they inevitably colored perceptions.

The New Yorker

VIERA, Fla .— One of the enduring traditions of sports is the art of casting blame on former coaches, executives and players for whatever went wrong in the past.

The New York Times - Sports

"Whatever went wrong on the operations side is my responsibility," Valette, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, said last night in a telephone interview.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whatever goes wrong", ensure it clearly connects to the main clause, clarifying the condition under which a specific action or situation will occur. This improves sentence flow and comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever goes wrong" as a standalone statement. Always pair it with a consequence or action to avoid vagueness. For instance, instead of just saying "Whatever goes wrong", specify what action will follow: "Whatever goes wrong, we'll address it immediately."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever goes wrong" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a situation where things may not proceed as expected. It sets the stage for a response or action to be taken, as seen in Ludwig's examples, clarifying the context for subsequent events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whatever goes wrong" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potential problems or contingencies. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it is paired with a clear consequence or action to avoid vagueness. While "whatever goes wrong" is appropriate for many situations, remember to consider alternatives, like "despite any issues that may arise", for a more formal tone. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "whatever goes wrong" into your writing to prepare for unforeseen challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whatever problems may ensue

Highlights the potential for problems to follow, providing a formal alternative.

even if things don't go as planned

Clearly states the possibility of plans failing, offering an easily understandable version.

despite any issues that may arise

Focuses on overcoming potential issues with a proactive approach.

no matter what mishaps occur

Emphasizes the acceptance of mishaps with a more formal tone.

in the event of any complications

Offers a contingency-focused substitute.

regardless of any problems arising

Highlights the potential for problems, offering a structured alternative.

irrespective of any difficulties encountered

Adopts a formal tone emphasizing the lack of concern for difficulties.

if anything untoward happens

Emphasizes unexpected or unwelcome events, with a slightly understated tone.

come what may in terms of errors

Uses a more literary and emphatic tone to express acceptance of errors.

no matter how badly things turn out

Focuses on the potential for severely negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "whatever goes wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "whatever goes wrong" to introduce a condition or possibility of failure, followed by a statement of action or acceptance. For example, "Whatever goes wrong, we have a backup plan ready".

What phrases are similar to "whatever goes wrong"?

Alternatives include "no matter what mishaps occur", "regardless of any problems arising", or "despite any issues that may arise", each carrying a slightly different tone and emphasis.

Is "whatever goes wrong" formal or informal?

The phrase "whatever goes wrong" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal situations, alternatives like "irrespective of any difficulties encountered" may be more appropriate.

Can "whatever goes wrong" be replaced with "anything goes wrong"?

While both phrases address potential issues, "whatever goes wrong" is generally preferred for a more comprehensive scope, encompassing a wider range of possibilities. "Anything goes wrong" might suggest a more limited or specific set of issues, making "whatever goes wrong" a more adaptable choice.