wrong moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wrong moment" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "I chose the wrong moment to bring up that sensitive topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is the wrong moment.

The New York Times

Suppose you smirk or blush at the wrong moment?

The New Yorker

They walked the dog at the wrong moment.

The New York Times

Walk underneath them at the wrong moment, and you're gone.

Independent

It's just come at the wrong moment, unfortunately.

The Guardian - Sport

Alternatively, easyJet has stepped up expansion at the wrong moment.

The Guardian - Business

Katidis, of course, was not caught at the wrong moment like Gauck.

Independent

But then a member nation withdrew vital tools at the wrong moment.

The New York Times

If you look away from a student's eyes at the wrong moment, you can hurt them".

The New York Times - Magazine

Their arms are folded, or a smile comes out at the wrong moment.

The New York Times

Pettitte is releasing it at the wrong moment, and he knows it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event that had negative consequences due to its timing, using "wrong moment" can effectively convey the idea that a different time would have yielded a better outcome. For example, "Launching the product during the recession proved to be the "wrong moment"."

Common error

Avoid using "wrong moment" when you actually mean a missed opportunity. "Wrong moment" implies the timing was inherently bad, whereas a missed opportunity means a specific chance was not taken, regardless of timing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrong moment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. As Ludwig examples show, it commonly modifies verbs such as 'choose', 'catch', 'arrive'. It describes when an event or action is ill-timed, leading to undesirable consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wrong moment" is a common noun phrase used to describe instances where timing negatively impacts an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent application across varied sources, predominately in News & Media. Alternatives such as "inopportune time" or "bad timing" can offer similar meanings, though "wrong moment" underscores the detrimental aspect of the timing itself. Remembering to distinguish "wrong moment" from a mere missed opportunity ensures precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inopportune time

Focuses on the lack of suitability of the time.

unsuitable time

Highlights the inappropriateness of the timing.

inappropriate time

Similar to 'unsuitable time', but emphasizes a breach of propriety.

untimely juncture

A more formal way of saying "wrong moment", indicating an unfortunate point in time.

bad timing

A concise way to express that the timing was not ideal.

awkward moment

Emphasizes the discomfort or difficulty caused by the timing.

unfortunate timing

Highlights the adverse consequences of the timing.

worst possible time

Emphasizes that the timing couldn't be any worse.

ill-chosen moment

Focuses on the poor selection of the time.

an unpropitious moment

More literary and formal, suggesting an unfavorable or unlucky time.

FAQs

How can I use "wrong moment" in a sentence?

You can use "wrong moment" to describe an action or event that was negatively impacted by its timing. For example, "He asked for a raise at the "wrong moment", right after the company announced losses."

What can I say instead of "wrong moment"?

You can use alternatives like "inopportune time", "unsuitable time", or "bad timing" depending on the context.

Is it ever correct to say "the wrongest moment"?

While grammatically possible, "the wrongest moment" is not a common or natural-sounding phrase. It's generally better to use "the worst possible moment" or "the most inopportune time" instead.

What's the difference between "wrong moment" and "missed opportunity"?

"Wrong moment" refers to timing that negatively affects an event, while "missed opportunity" refers to failing to capitalize on a specific chance, regardless of timing.