wrong things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wrong things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions, behaviors, or items that are incorrect, inappropriate, or morally wrong. Example: "He often finds himself in trouble because he tends to focus on the wrong things in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're about putting wrong things on other wrong things.

Independent

They say the wrong things.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or doing some wrong things.

The Guardian

They are doing wrong things.

The Guardian - Business

Simply put, they targeted the wrong things.

The New Yorker

Were we looking for the wrong things?

The New York Times - Food

There are other "wrong" things, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

They're spending all this money on all the wrong things".

The New York Times

But second, we are obsessing over the wrong things.

Independent

Some may have been drawn around the wrong things altogether.

The Economist

Too much public money is going on the wrong things.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "wrong things", ensure the context clearly identifies what constitutes 'wrong' to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether you mean morally wrong, practically ineffective, or strategically unsound.

Common error

Avoid using "wrong things" without specifying why they are wrong. For instance, instead of saying "They are focused on the wrong things", clarify with "They are focused on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrong things" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to actions, behaviors, decisions, or objects that are considered incorrect, inappropriate, or morally wrong, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wrong things" is a versatile and frequently used expression for describing incorrect, inappropriate, or morally questionable actions, behaviors, or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts. The analysis reveals that while the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity about what constitutes "wrong". Alternatives such as "incorrect actions", "inappropriate behaviors", and "misguided choices" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. By following the best practices outlined, writers can effectively use "wrong things" to convey disapproval or criticism while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incorrect actions

Focuses specifically on the 'actions' that are wrong, narrowing the scope.

inappropriate behaviors

Highlights behaviors that are not suitable or fitting for a particular situation.

misguided choices

Emphasizes the flawed nature of the selection process.

ill-advised decisions

Implies that the decisions were poorly thought out or lacked sufficient information.

unsuitable priorities

Addresses the incorrect ranking or ordering of importance.

faulty assumptions

Highlights errors in the underlying beliefs or premises.

counterproductive measures

Focuses on actions that achieve the opposite of the desired outcome.

undesirable outcomes

Shifts the focus to the negative results or consequences.

flawed strategies

Highlights the defects or weaknesses in the overall approach.

erroneous approaches

Stresses the incorrect or inaccurate methods being used.

FAQs

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

You can use "wrong things" to refer to actions, behaviors, or items that are incorrect, inappropriate, or morally wrong. Example: "He often finds himself in trouble because he tends to focus on the "wrong things" in life".

What are some alternatives to "wrong things"?

You can use alternatives like "incorrect actions", "inappropriate behaviors", or "misguided choices" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "bad things" or "wrong things"?

The choice between "bad things" and "wrong things" depends on the context. "Bad things" generally refers to negative or unpleasant events, while "wrong things" implies actions or choices that are incorrect or morally questionable. Use "bad things" when referring to unfortunate events and "wrong things" when referring to incorrect or immoral actions.

What's the difference between "focusing on the wrong things" and "prioritizing the "unsuitable priorities""?

While both phrases suggest a misdirection of attention or effort, "focusing on the wrong things" is a more general statement. "Prioritizing unsuitable priorities" specifically indicates a problem with the order of importance assigned to different tasks or goals.