wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'wrong' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word 'wrong' to talk about something that is incorrect or not satisfactory. For example, "I knew I was wrong to trust him so quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is wrong".

The New York Times

He is wrong.

The New York Times

What could possibly go wrong?

The New York Times - Arts

They were wrong.

The New York Times

But that would be wrong.

The Guardian - Tech

What's wrong with Britain?

The Guardian - Travel

"They were wrong no matter the circumstance and I regret them".

The Guardian - Tech

This was wrong.

The New York Times

What could go wrong?

The New York Times

Everything went right for Germany and wrong for us.

The Guardian - Sport

To try to close down that debate prematurely is both arrogant and plain wrong".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context when using "wrong", as it can imply factual inaccuracy, ethical violation, or simply unsuitability.

Common error

Avoid using "wrong" as a catch-all term for anything negative. Instead, choose more specific adjectives like "ineffective", "damaging", or "unethical" to convey your meaning more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The word "wrong" primarily functions as an adjective, describing something that is incorrect, immoral, or unsuitable. It can also function as a noun, referring to an immoral act or injustice. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "wrong" is a versatile term used to indicate something that is incorrect, immoral, or inappropriate. Functioning primarily as an adjective, it also serves as a noun to denote an injustice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "wrong" maintains a neutral register, its effective use requires nuanced understanding of its implications. For precision, consider alternatives like "incorrect" or "inappropriate" for more specific meanings. Avoid overuse by opting for adjectives that provide a more descriptive and impactful representation of the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incorrect

This alternative focuses specifically on factual inaccuracy or deviation from what is right or true.

inaccurate

This term emphasizes a lack of precision or exactness, often in data or reporting.

mistaken

This highlights an error in judgment or understanding.

false

This emphasizes the untruthfulness or deceptiveness of something.

inappropriate

This suggests something is unsuitable or out of place for a particular context.

amiss

This term implies that something is out of order or not quite right, often in a subtle way.

faulty

This suggests a defect or imperfection that causes something to fail or function improperly.

awry

This implies that something has gone off course or deviated from the intended plan.

improper

This indicates a violation of rules, standards, or etiquette.

unjust

This emphasizes a lack of fairness or righteousness in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "wrong" in many ways, such as "That answer is wrong", "It is wrong to steal", or "Something is wrong with the car".

What's the difference between "wrong" and "incorrect"?

"Wrong" often implies a moral or ethical dimension, while "incorrect" usually refers to factual inaccuracy.

What can I say instead of "wrong"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inaccurate", "false", "improper", or "unjust".

Is it correct to say "wrongly" instead of "wrong" in some cases?

Yes, "wrongly" (adverb) is used to describe how something is done, while "wrong" (adjective) describes the state of something. For example: "He was wrongly accused" vs. "That is the wrong answer".