wrong people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wrong people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who are not suitable or appropriate for a particular situation or context. Example: "I realized I had been seeking advice from the wrong people, which led me to make poor decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the moment the wrong people are in charge".

BBC

"Boycotts hurt the wrong people".

The New York Times

And it's the wrong people.

The New Yorker

With the wrong people clapping.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're taxing the wrong people.

The New Yorker

Talk about making the wrong people pay.

The New York Times

About accepting money from the wrong people.

Independent

The wrong people always get killed.

The New Yorker

"They're using the wrong people".

The New York Times

"It taxes the wrong people".

The New York Times - Health

They arrested the wrong people".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wrong people", clarify the specific context or criteria that makes them unsuitable to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Hiring the wrong people for leadership positions can damage team morale."

Common error

Avoid using "wrong people" without specifying what makes them wrong in the specific situation. This can lead to misinterpretations and unfair judgments. Provide enough context to justify the assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrong people" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "wrong" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "people". It typically serves to identify and categorize a group of individuals as being unsuitable or undesirable for a specific context or purpose, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wrong people" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe individuals deemed unsuitable or undesirable in a given context. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves to express disapproval or concern and is found most frequently in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's important to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "inappropriate individuals" or "unsuitable persons" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate individuals

Emphasizes a lack of suitability or fitness for a particular situation or role.

unsuitable persons

Highlights the inadequacy or unacceptability of certain individuals for a specific purpose.

undesirable elements

Focuses on the negative or harmful qualities of certain individuals within a group or society.

bad company

Suggests a negative influence or moral corruption associated with certain individuals.

people to avoid

Directly advises against associating with certain individuals due to potential negative consequences.

the wrong crowd

Implies a group of people with negative characteristics or behaviors that can lead to trouble.

untrustworthy individuals

Highlights the lack of reliability and potential for deception associated with certain individuals.

questionable characters

Suggests that certain individuals have a dubious reputation or may be involved in unethical activities.

people of ill repute

Formally indicates individuals with a negative public image or known for bad behavior.

problematic individuals

Identifies people who cause difficulties or present challenges within a given situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "wrong people" to describe individuals who are unsuitable for a particular situation or role. For example, "They arrested the "wrong people"".

What's a more formal alternative to "wrong people"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "inappropriate individuals" or "unsuitable persons" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says, "You're hanging out with the wrong people"?

This typically means that the individuals you're associating with are perceived as having a negative influence or potentially leading you into trouble. It suggests aligning yourself with "bad company".

Is it always negative to describe someone as the "wrong people"?

Yes, describing someone as the "wrong people" almost always carries a negative connotation, implying they are unsuitable, untrustworthy, or detrimental in some way. The context determines the specific nuance of the negative judgment.