wrong
wrong — verb
- wrongpresent simple I / you / we / they
- wrongs3rd person singular
- wronging-ing form
- wrongedpast simple
1. to cause harm or injury to someone by acting unjustly toward them, or by failing
to cause harm or injury to someone by acting unjustly toward them, or by failing to give them what they deserve
Theo felt his boss had wronged him by promoting someone with less experience.
wronged by [someone] — passive pattern
Nia wronged her friend by sharing a secret that was not meant for others.
wrong + noun phrase (direct object)
Daichi was wronged by the landlord, who raised the rent without warning.
Jabari wronged his brother by taking the credit for their joint project.
- treat fairly
to act with justice toward someone
- honour
to keep one's promises or treat someone with deserved respect
文法句型
wrong + noun phrase (the person or group harmed)
用法筆記
Transitive verb — always takes a person or group as its object. Frequently used in the passive voice (be wronged by). More common in formal or literary English than in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
wrong — noun
- wrongsingular
- wrongsplural
1. the quality or category of actions, ideas, or behaviour that goes against what m
the quality or category of actions, ideas, or behaviour that goes against what most people in a society believe is good, honest, or fair.
Young children need to be taught the difference between right and wrong at home.
right and wrong — the fixed noun pair
Hana believes that every society must agree on basic ideas of right and wrong.
Ravindra felt that a wrong done to the poorest people should bother everyone.
The judge said the case was about right and wrong, not about money.
- evil
stronger and more serious than 'wrong'; implies deliberate malice
- immorality
more formal and abstract; 'wrong' is the everyday term
- wrongdoing
refers to specific acts rather than the abstract quality
文法句型
right and wrong
tell/know right from wrong
sense of right and wrong
用法筆記
As an uncountable noun, 'wrong' is almost always used alongside 'right' in fixed phrases such as 'right and wrong', 'know right from wrong', or 'a sense of right and wrong'. It rarely appears alone without 'right' as an uncountable noun unless a qualifier ('moral wrong') or a preposition ('wrong done to') is added.
常見錯誤
2. an action that treats someone in a way that is not just, causes them harm, or fa
an action that treats someone in a way that is not just, causes them harm, or fails to respect their legal rights.
Diego suffered a great wrong when the company fired him without any warning.
suffer a wrong — verb collocation
The newspaper wrote about the wrongs committed against factory workers during the strike.
wrongs committed against [victim] — plural + passive particple
Gabriela went to court to seek justice for the wrong done to her family.
Anjali tried to right the wrong by returning the wallet she had found.
文法句型
do + someone + a wrong
wrong + against + [person/group]
wrong + done to + [person/group]
suffer + a wrong
用法筆記
As a countable noun, 'wrong' refers to a specific unjust event rather than the abstract concept of wrongdoing. It frequently appears with verbs like 'suffer', 'commit', 'do', and 'right' (to fix). The preposition 'against' introduces the victim ('wrongs against humanity'). This sense is more formal and literary than everyday speech.
常見錯誤
wrong — adjective
- wrongpositive
- worsecomparative
- worstsuperlative
1. used to describe a fact, answer, or piece of information that is not accurate or
used to describe a fact, answer, or piece of information that is not accurate or true.
The answer Ignacio gave on the maths test was wrong, so the teacher marked it with a red X.
wrong as predicate after 'be' for a fact
Bilal copied the address into his notebook, but the street name was wrong.
Jiwoo checked her phone and realised she had the wrong date for the meeting.
The map showed the wrong direction, so the hikers ended up at the lake instead of the mountain.
Jude gave the wrong phone number, and the courier could not reach him.
- incorrect
more formal than 'wrong'; often used in academic or technical contexts
- inaccurate
focuses on lack of precision rather than outright error
文法句型
be wrong
the wrong + noun
用法筆記
Frequently occurs in the fixed expression 'the wrong [noun]' to indicate that a particular item or detail is not the correct one for the purpose.
常見錯誤
2. having a belief, opinion, or idea about someone or something that does not match
having a belief, opinion, or idea about someone or something that does not match the facts.
Iris was sure she had locked the front door, but her mother proved she was wrong.
Ishaan thought the film started at eight, but he was wrong — it was seven thirty.
pattern: be wrong + about a stated fact
Ayana told us she was wrong about the bus schedule and apologised for the delay.
Eitan was convinced it would rain all day, but the sunny afternoon proved him wrong.
- mistaken
slightly more formal; emphasises that the error belongs to the person's reasoning
- off the mark
informal; suggests the guess or estimate was not accurate
- right
the common opposite for everyday judgments and opinions
文法句型
be wrong about + noun/pronoun
be wrong in + -ing form
用法筆記
Often takes the preposition 'about' to specify the topic of the mistaken belief. The pattern 'be wrong in thinking that…' is also common in more formal English.
常見錯誤
3. used when a person's actions or achievements demonstrate that a negative opinion
used when a person's actions or achievements demonstrate that a negative opinion or expectation someone had about them was not accurate.
Everyone said Nila would fail the driving test, but she proved them wrong by passing on her first try.
collocation: 'prove someone wrong' with demonstrative action
The critics called the book boring, yet its huge sales showed them to be wrong.
After months of training, Ignacio finished the race in first place and proved his doubters wrong.
The new chef expected customers to leave bad reviews, but the full restaurant showed him to be wrong.
- incorrect in one's estimate
formal; rarely used in everyday speech
文法句型
prove + object + wrong
show + object + to be wrong
用法筆記
This sense appears almost exclusively in the complement slot after verbs like 'prove', 'show', or 'demonstrate'. It is not used alone as a simple predicate (do not say 'he is wrong' to mean this sense).
常見錯誤
4. refers to a thing or action that does not fit a given situation, intended use, o
refers to a thing or action that does not fit a given situation, intended use, or expected state.
Christopher put on a suit for the beach party, but it was the wrong choice of clothing.
collocation: 'the wrong choice' for an unsuitable selection
The oven temperature was wrong, so the cake did not rise properly.
Something was wrong with the printer, and the documents came out with blank pages.
Tyler picked the wrong key to unlock the door and had to try the other one.
- unsuitable
more formal; directly means not fitting for the purpose
- inappropriate
often carries a social judgment similar to sense 5; use with care
- suitable
the direct opposite — fitting for the purpose or situation
- appropriate
correct or right for the particular occasion
文法句型
the wrong + noun for + noun phrase
something is wrong with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Use 'the wrong [noun]' to say a particular item is unsuitable for its intended use. Use 'something is wrong with [noun]' to indicate a fault or problem — this is a very common spoken pattern.
常見錯誤
5. describes behaviour or speech that goes against the accepted standards of polite
describes behaviour or speech that goes against the accepted standards of politeness or propriety in a particular social situation.
Apinya felt it was wrong to talk loudly on the phone during the funeral service.
pattern: 'it is wrong to + infinitive' for social judgment
In some cultures, it is considered wrong to wear shoes inside someone's home.
The teacher told the students it was wrong to laugh at someone else's mistake.
At the formal dinner, Jiwoo felt it was wrong to start eating before the host.
- acceptable
allowed or approved by social standards
- appropriate
suitable for the particular social setting
文法句型
it is wrong to + infinitive
feel it is wrong to + infinitive
用法筆記
Distinguish from the b2 batch sense 'morally unacceptable' (about ethics and conscience). This sense is about social convention and politeness — what is considered rude or improper in a given setting, not about universal right and wrong.
常見錯誤
6. used in questions or statements to ask about or describe a problem, difficulty,
used in questions or statements to ask about or describe a problem, difficulty, or cause of unhappiness that someone has.
Sahil noticed that Élise had been quiet all evening and asked her what was wrong.
pattern: 'ask someone what is wrong' for expressing concern
The dog kept whining by the door, and Ingrid knew something was wrong.
Eleni looked at her daughter's unhappy face and could tell something was wrong.
Ava knew something was wrong when she saw her brother's worried face at the door.
- the matter
used interchangeably in 'What's the matter?' — equally common for expressing concern
- amiss
formal; 'something is amiss' is less common in everyday conversation
文法句型
what is wrong?
something is wrong
what is wrong with + noun phrase
ask + noun + what is wrong
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used with the verbs 'be', 'seem', or 'look'. The question phrase 'What's wrong?' is a fixed expression used to show concern, not to request factual information. The pattern 'something is wrong with [person/thing]' can also indicate a problem.
常見錯誤
7. describes an object positioned with its front side where the back normally sits
describes an object positioned with its front side where the back normally sits — for instance, a shirt worn with the tag in front
Christopher wore his sweater the wrong way around and only noticed at dinner.
collocation: the wrong way around
The photo was printed the wrong way around, so everyone in the picture looks reversed.
Linh hung the calendar the wrong way around, and Noa laughed when she saw it.
The jacket label was sewn the wrong way around, so the brand name faces inward.
- correct side
the proper orientation
- right way around
the expected orientation of an object
文法句型
noun + the wrong way around
the wrong way around/round
用法筆記
In American English, 'the wrong way around' is more common than 'the wrong way round'. This sense is almost always used after the noun it modifies, not before it.
8. going against what most people in a community or society consider to be morally
going against what most people in a community or society consider to be morally acceptable — for example, cheating, lying to harm someone, or stealing
Hui believes it is wrong to lie to customers just to make a sale.
pattern: it + be + wrong + to-infinitive
The newspaper reported several wrong practices at the food factory that shocked local residents.
Beatriz told her little brother that taking money from their mother's purse was wrong.
The principal told the students that bullying a classmate is wrong in any situation.
文法句型
it + be + wrong + to-infinitive
wrong + noun
be + wrong + of + person + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 5 (NOT SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE) in the first adjective batch: sense 5 refers to behaviour that breaks social rules or etiquette (e.g. wearing casual clothes to a wedding), while this sense refers to behaviour that breaks ethical or moral standards (e.g. stealing, lying).
常見錯誤
9. describes a machine, piece of equipment, or system that is not operating normall
describes a machine, piece of equipment, or system that is not operating normally
The coffee machine went wrong again, so Imran bought drinks from the cafe downstairs.
collocation: go wrong (of a machine)
Something is wrong with the oven — the food comes out raw on one side.
pattern: something is wrong with [noun]
Something is wrong with Nila's laptop — half the keys do not respond.
The vending machine on the second floor went wrong and swallowed Felix's coins.
- broken
more common and general; implies the machine cannot be used at all
- faulty
more formal; suggests a manufacturing defect or design flaw
- malfunctioning
more formal; often used in technical or official contexts
文法句型
something + be + wrong
something + go + wrong
there + be + something + wrong + with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (NOT CORRECT) and sense 6 (SOMETHING WRONG) from the first batch, this sense applies specifically to machines and systems. The natural way to express this is 'go wrong' (for a single event) or 'something is wrong with [machine]' (for a state). This sense does NOT take a that-clause.
常見錯誤
wrong — adverb
1. used after an action verb to say that a result contains errors or is not as it o
used after an action verb to say that a result contains errors or is not as it ought to be — for example, spelling a word wrong or reading a sign wrong.
Yasmin spelled my surname wrong on the wedding invitation.
verb + wrong — spelling wrong
The delivery driver read the street name wrong and left the package next door.
verb + wrong — reading wrong
Owen added the numbers wrong, so the total was about two thousand dollars less.
Linh copied the phone number wrong and could not reach the clinic.
- incorrectly
more formal; used in written or careful speech
- inaccurately
suggests a lack of precision rather than a full error
文法句型
verb + wrong
用法筆記
Follows the verb directly — do not place an adverb like 'very' or 'quite' between the verb and 'wrong'.
常見錯誤
2. making an error in how you answer a question or understand what someone says or
making an error in how you answer a question or understand what someone says or means — typically used with 'get' or 'have'.
I got the final question wrong because I misread the date in the passage.
get + object + wrong — answering
Tara thought the meeting was on Tuesday, but she had the day wrong.
You have understood me wrong — I never said the project was cancelled.
The students got the history question wrong because the textbook had a misprint.
- misunderstand
emphasises the comprehension error; more formal
- mistake
used as a verb; 'I mistook her meaning'
文法句型
get + noun phrase + wrong
have + noun phrase + wrong
用法筆記
Commonly occurs in the fixed expression 'get something wrong' to mean 'misunderstand'. Compare with sense 4, which is a more general statement of error.
常見錯誤
3. used to describe a plan, event, or situation that does not develop as expected a
used to describe a plan, event, or situation that does not develop as expected and instead becomes unpleasant or unsuccessful.
Everything went wrong on our wedding day — it rained and the band did not show up.
go wrong — situation fails
The business deal went wrong when the main investor pulled out at the last minute.
Their camping trip went wrong after a wildfire forced them to leave the forest early.
The interview went wrong when Valentina realised she was in the wrong building.
文法句型
go + wrong
用法筆記
Only used for events, situations, or plans — not for people. To say a person has problems, use 'things go wrong for someone'.
4. performing an action or producing a result that is not correct because of an err
performing an action or producing a result that is not correct because of an error in judgment, calculation, or method.
Trang tried to assemble the bookshelf herself, but she did every step wrong.
do + object + wrong — general error
If you enter the password wrong three times, the system will lock you out.
The chef followed the recipe wrong and the sauce turned out much too salty.
Talia set the alarm clock wrong and woke up two hours late for her exam.
文法句型
get + noun phrase + wrong
用法筆記
More general than sense 2 — it does not specifically imply misunderstanding; it covers any kind of action error. Frequently used with 'get', 'do', and 'follow'.
5. used to describe a machine or device that stops working properly or develops a f
used to describe a machine or device that stops working properly or develops a fault.
The washing machine went wrong again, so Dahlia had to call a repair man.
go wrong — mechanical fault
If your laptop goes wrong while still under warranty, the shop will fix it for free.
The lift went wrong this morning and got stuck between the second and third floors.
The printer went wrong halfway through the job and jammed every sheet of paper.
- break down
more common for cars and large machines
- malfunction
formal or technical
文法句型
go + wrong
用法筆記
Only used for machines, devices, or mechanical systems. Do not use for software glitches — use 'crash' or 'freeze' instead.