What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
erroneously
Example
The results were erroneously reported due to a miscalculation. [erroneously: adverb]
Example
He erroneously believed that the earth was flat. [erroneously: adverb]
incorrectly
Example
She spelled his name incorrectly on the form. [incorrectly: adverb]
Example
The teacher marked the answer as incorrect. [incorrect: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incorrectly is more commonly used than erroneously in everyday language. Incorrectly is a simple and common word that can be used in various contexts, while erroneously is less common and more specific to technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erroneously and incorrectly?
Erroneously is typically associated with a more formal tone, while incorrectly is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.