What is wrong? Pronunciation and usage in English

wrong means . Learn how to pronounce and use wrong through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of wrong

wrongadjective

/rɒŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of wrong

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wrong" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /rɒŋ/ (rhymes with "song")

Let's break that down further:

  • rɒ: This part is subtly tricky. The "r" is a very brief, almost implosive "r," almost like you're speaking with a slight tension in your lips. It's not a strong, rolled "r" like in Spanish or Scottish English. It's a very quick, almost-silent "r" that adds a little bit of a forward sound.
  • ŋ: This is the "ng" sound, like in “sing” or “long.” It’s not a distinct "n" and "g" sound. It’s a single, blended sound where the back of your tongue touches the roof of your mouth. You'll feel it more than hear it.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  1. Start with your mouth open.
  2. Shape your mouth as if you're saying “oh.” (A slightly open “o” sound)
  3. Quickly touch the roof of your mouth with the back of your tongue, creating the "ng" sound. (This is the key!)
  4. Say the "r" very quickly and lightly, almost as if it's blending into the "ng." It’s not a pronounced "r."

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "r." It's very subtle.
  • Don't pronounce "n" and "g" separately. They blend together into the "ng" sound.
  • Listen to native speakers. The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

Regional Variations:

  • In some parts of the US (particularly the Midwest), you might hear a pronunciation closer to /rɒŋɡ/ (rhymes with "song" but with a slightly more pronounced "g" sound at the end). However, the /rɒŋ/ pronunciation is far more common and widely accepted.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (This can help me suggest regional pronunciation strategies.)

Usage and examples with the word wrong in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wrong" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Something Incorrect)

  • Most Common Usage: This is the most frequent way you'll encounter "wrong." It means inaccurate, incorrect, or not right.
    • Example: "That's the wrong answer." (The answer is incorrect.)
    • Example: "I have the wrong address." (I’m at the incorrect location.)
    • Example: "There’s something wrong with the car." (The car isn't functioning correctly.)
    • Example: “You’re thinking about this wrong.” (Your approach is flawed.)

2. As an Adjective (Describing a Bad or Evil Action)

  • Moral Wrongdoing: This usage describes something morally wrong – a bad action, a sin, or something unethical.
    • Example: “He committed a wrong against his family.” (He did something harmful to his family.)
    • Example: “It’s wrong to lie.” (Lying is morally unacceptable.)
    • Example: “She felt it was wrong to gossip.” (She believed gossiping was unethical.)

3. As a Verb (Meaning to Do Something Incorrectly or to Mistake)

  • Making a Mistake: This is how you indicate bringing about something incorrect.
    • Example: “I wronged him by ignoring his pleas.” (I did him a wrong by disregarding his requests.)
    • Example: “Don’t wrong a friend.” (Don’t mistreat or harm a friend.)
    • Example: "He wronged the trust placed in him." (He betrayed that trust.)

4. As a Noun (Referring to a Wrongdoing)

  • An Act of Wrongdoing: This refers to the act itself, not the deed done.
    • Example: “He committed a terrible wrong.” (His action was extremely bad.)
    • Example: "The wrong he committed caused great pain." (The act of wrongdoing caused suffering.)

5. Less Common Uses

  • Wrongfully: (Adverb) – Without justification or reason. “He was wrongly accused.”
  • Wrongfully accused: (Phrase) - Indicating someone is unfairly blamed.

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Adjective Incorrect, wrong "That's the wrong date."
Adjective Morally wrong, evil "It’s wrong to steal."
Verb To do something wrong, mistake "I wronged her with my words."
Noun An act of wrongdoing "His wrong was unforgivable."

Tips for Using "Wrong" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "wrong" depends entirely on the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like incorrect, mistaken, faulty, unethical, or criminal, depending on the specific meaning.
  • “Right” as Contrast: "Wrong" is often used in direct contrast with "right." (e.g., "This is right, and that is wrong.")

Could you give me a sentence where you'd like me to explain how to use "wrong" in more detail? Or, would you like me to provide some more example sentences for a specific nuance of the word?

Synonyms for the word wrong

Idioms of the word wrong

back the wrong horse
(British English)to support somebody/something that is not successful
    be barking up the wrong tree
    (informal)to have the wrong idea about how to get or achieve something
    • You're barking up the wrong tree if you're expecting us to lend you any money.
    from/on the wrong side of the tracks
    from or living in a poor area or part of town
      get/start off on the right/wrong foot (with somebody)
      (informal)to start a relationship well/badly
      • I seem to have got off on the wrong foot with the new boss.
      get on the right/wrong side of somebody
      to make somebody pleased with you/annoyed with you
        get out of bed on the wrong side
        to be in a bad mood for the whole day for no particular reason
          get (hold of) the wrong end of the stick
          (British English, informal)to understand something in the wrong way
            hit/strike the right/wrong note
            (especially British English)to do, say or write something that is suitable/not suitable for a particular occasion
            • It is a bizarre tale and the author hits just the right note of horror and disbelief.
            • Unfortunately, the president struck the wrong note in his speech, ignoring the public mood.
            not far off/out/wrong
            (informal)almost correct
            • Your guess wasn't far out at all.
            • They weren't far out with their estimate of 100 000.
            • You're not far wrong when you say he's the richest guy in town.
            on the right/wrong side of 40, 50, etc.
            (informal)younger or older than 40, 50, etc. years of age
              on the right/wrong track
              thinking or behaving in the right/wrong way
              • We haven’t found a cure yet—but we are on the right track.
              • The new manager successfully got the team back onto the right track.
              • The police were on the wrong track when they treated the case as a revenge killing.
              on the wrong side of the law
              in trouble with the police
                rub somebody up the wrong way
                (informal)to make somebody annoyed or angry, often without intending to, by doing or saying something that offends them
                • She tends to rub people up the wrong way.
                take something the wrong way
                to be offended by a remark that was not intended to be offensive
                • Don't take this the wrong way, but maybe you're trying a bit too hard.

                Practice with vocabulary wrong

                Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

                1. The data analysis contained a significant mathematical __________ that skewed the final results.
                2. If the security code is __________, access to the server will be denied immediately.
                3. Despite their extensive research, the team realized their initial hypothesis was fundamentally __________.
                4. The new software update introduced several __________ functionalities, requiring an immediate patch.

                Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

                1. The report contained several __________ assumptions that invalidated its conclusions. a) flawed b) incorrect c) wrong d) mistaken
                2. If something goes __________ with the network configuration, call technical support immediately. a) amiss b) wrong c) awry d) problematic
                3. I feel there's something fundamentally __________ with how the department handles client complaints. a) wrong b) faulty c) defective d) inappropriate
                4. The data presented in the chart was found to be factually __________, requiring a complete revision. a) inaccurate b) erroneous c) precise d) authentic
                5. Due to an __________ calculation, the budget forecast was significantly underestimated. a) inexact b) incorrect c) imprecise d) flawed

                Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

                1. Original: The project manager made an error in allocating resources, leading to delays. Rewrite using "wrong" or related word forms:
                2. Original: His argument about the economic impact was not accurate, according to recent studies. Rewrite using "wrong" or related word forms:
                3. Original: There were several defects in the manufacturing process that affected product quality. Rewrite without using "wrong" or related word forms:

                Answer:

                Exercise 1:

                1. error
                2. wrong
                3. wrong
                4. faulty (or: defective, incorrect)

                Exercise 2:

                1. a) flawed, b) incorrect, c) wrong, d) mistaken
                2. a) amiss, b) wrong, c) awry
                3. a) wrong, d) inappropriate
                4. a) inaccurate, b) erroneous
                5. b) incorrect, d) flawed

                Exercise 3:

                1. The project manager made the wrong decision in allocating resources, leading to delays.
                2. His argument about the economic impact was wrong, according to recent studies.
                3. There were several flaws in the manufacturing process that affected product quality.

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