wrong setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wrong setting" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts to describe a situation that is incorrect, misaligned, or otherwise not suitable. For example, you might say, "The computer was set to the wrong setting, so the document wouldn't print."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The sky was growing dark and the sun was all wrong, setting to my right when it should have been in my face.

The New York Times

True, in the wrong setting he can still struggle.

The Guardian

"Hank" has the right star in the wrong setting.

The New York Times - Arts

It soon became apparent that this was the wrong setting for me".

The New York Times

Most cases of overfilling are the result of lack of attention, valves placed at the wrong setting, errors in level indicators, and so on.

What Went Wrong? Case Histories of Process Plant Disasters and How They Could Hare Been Avoided

The flash had slipped on to the wrong setting, which seemed to illuminate the whole city – and blind us all.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

If I do well, help me, and if I do wrong, set me right.

Forbes

If the date displayed is wrong, set it right; agree to the terms and conditions, and tap on Submit.

WikiHow

We are all careering in a ricochet that those wrongs set in motion.

The New Yorker

Pity the Democrats, stuck with the wrong set of virtues.

The New York Times - Magazine

She had brought the wrong set of notes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wrong setting" to describe a problem, be specific about what the correct setting should be. This helps clarify the issue and suggests a solution.

Common error

Avoid using "wrong setting" without specifying why it's wrong. For example, instead of saying "The device was in the wrong setting", specify "The device was in the wrong setting for video recording, causing low resolution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrong setting" functions as a noun phrase, where "wrong" is an adjective modifying the noun "setting". It typically identifies an incorrect or inappropriate configuration or environment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly conveys that something is misaligned or unsuitable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wrong setting" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an incorrect or inappropriate configuration or environment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. It's important to be specific about why a setting is wrong to provide clarity. Related phrases include "incorrect configuration" and "inappropriate context". The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources. Authoritative sources that frequently use the phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate context

Highlights the unsuitability of a particular situation.

unsuitable environment

Emphasizes the negative impact of an unfit surrounding.

incorrect configuration

Focuses on the technical aspect of an incorrect setup.

erroneous setup

Emphasizes that the setup is based on a mistake.

improper adjustment

Refers to a faulty or incorrect setting of a device or system.

ill-suited location

Highlights the unsuitability of a place for a specific purpose.

faulty arrangement

Suggests an error in the way something is organized or planned.

misapplied environment

Focuses on using a setting for something it wasn't designed for.

unfavorable condition

Indicates a circumstance that is not conducive to success or well-being.

incompatible parameters

Highlights the discordance of set values for a device.

FAQs

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

You can use "wrong setting" to describe a situation where something is not properly configured or placed. For example: "The camera was on the "wrong setting", resulting in a blurry photo".

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

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "incorrect configuration" or "inappropriate context" as alternatives to "wrong setting".

How does "incorrect setting" differ from "wrong setting"?

"Incorrect setting" and "wrong setting" are largely interchangeable. "Incorrect" implies a factual error, while "wrong" can also imply a moral or judgmental error. However, in most practical cases, the distinction is negligible.

Can "wrong setting" apply to abstract situations or only physical devices?

"Wrong setting" can apply to both abstract and physical situations. For instance, you could say "This approach is being applied in the "wrong setting"" meaning the approach is inappropriate for the situation, or "The oven was on the "wrong setting"" indicating a physical device's configuration.