Meaning
Used to state that something is incorrect or false.
Cultural Background
Americans are generally very direct. Saying 'That's wrong' in a business meeting is often seen as being helpful and efficient, though it's still better to be polite. British people often find 'That's wrong' too aggressive. They prefer 'understatement' and 'hedging' to avoid conflict. In Japan, direct disagreement is often avoided to maintain 'Wa' (harmony). A native speaker might say 'That's wrong' and find that Japanese colleagues become very quiet. German culture values accuracy and directness. 'Das ist falsch' is used frequently and is not necessarily considered rude; it's just being precise.
Use 'Actually'
Adding 'Actually' before 'that's wrong' makes you sound much more like a native speaker and slightly more polite.
Don't point!
In some cultures, saying 'That's wrong' while pointing your finger is very aggressive. Keep your hands relaxed.
Meaning
Used to state that something is incorrect or false.
Use 'Actually'
Adding 'Actually' before 'that's wrong' makes you sound much more like a native speaker and slightly more polite.
Don't point!
In some cultures, saying 'That's wrong' while pointing your finger is very aggressive. Keep your hands relaxed.
The 'I think' trick
If you aren't 100% sure, always say 'I think that's wrong.' It saves you from embarrassment if *you* are the one who is mistaken!
Test Yourself
Someone says: 'London is the capital of France.' What do you say?
Choose the best response:
Since London is not the capital of France, the statement is incorrect, so you say 'That's wrong.'
Complete the sentence to correct the person.
Person A: 10 + 10 is 30. Person B: No, ____ ______.
You need the subject 'that' and the verb 'is' (contracted as 's).
Finish the dialogue politely.
Waiter: Here is your tea. Customer: Oh, I'm sorry, ______ ______. I ordered coffee.
'That's wrong' is the standard way to point out the error in the order.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesChoose the best response:
Since London is not the capital of France, the statement is incorrect, so you say 'That's wrong.'
Person A: 10 + 10 is 30. Person B: No, ____ ______.
You need the subject 'that' and the verb 'is' (contracted as 's).
Waiter: Here is your tea. Customer: Oh, I'm sorry, ______ ______. I ordered coffee.
'That's wrong' is the standard way to point out the error in the order.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be. It depends on your tone. If you say it loudly, it's rude. If you say it softly with 'I'm sorry,' it's fine.
Yes, but it sounds like a robot or a science book. Stick to 'wrong' for people.
The opposite is 'That's right' or 'That's correct.'
Yes. If someone is being mean, you can say 'That's wrong,' meaning their behavior is immoral.
Related Phrases
That's incorrect
synonymA more formal way to say something is wrong.
That's not right
similarA softer way to point out an error.
You're wrong
specialized formDirectly telling a person they have made a mistake.
That's a mistake
similarFocuses on the act of making the error.
