Confused Words: Correct vs Right

Hello, English learners! Today, we’re tackling two frequently used, but sometimes confused, words: “correct” and “right“. These words often get mixed up, but they have unique uses which we’ll simplify for you!

Correct

“Correct” (IPA: /kəˈrɛkt/) is an adjective meaning true or accurate, without any mistakes. It is often used in more formal or academic settings.

Examples:

1. Your answer is correct. (Your answer is accurate, without any mistakes)
2. The correct time is 3 o’clock. (The accurate time, without any error, is 3 o’clock)
3. Please ensure to enter the correct password. (Please make sure to enter the accurate and mistake-free password)
4. She pronounced the word correctly. (She pronounced the word without making a mistake)
5. It’s correct to say that he’s my brother. (It’s true and accurate to say that he’s my brother)
6. The correct form must be filled out in blue ink. (The accurate form, without errors, must be filled out in blue ink)
7. They found the correct solution to the problem. (They found the accurate and true solution to the problem)
8. You have a correct understanding of the situation. (Your understanding of the situation is accurate)
9. It’s important to follow the correct procedure. (It’s important to follow the accurate, mistake-free procedure)
10. She gave a correct account of the incident. (Her account of the incident was accurate and without mistakes)

Right

“Right” (IPA: /raɪt/) can mean correct, but it’s often used in a broader sense. It can also refer to something that is morally, socially, or legally acceptable.

Examples:

1. You’re right about that. (Your statement is correct)
2. That’s the right way to do it. (That’s the correct or acceptable way to do it)
3. You have the right to remain silent. (You have the legal permission to remain silent)
4. This is the right time to ask him. (This is the correct or suitable time to ask him)
5. He always tries to do the right thing. (He always tries to do what is morally acceptable)
6. Make a right turn at the intersection. (Make a correct turn at the intersection)
7. That’s not the right word to use in this context. (That’s not the correct word to use in this context)
8. They made the right decision to invest. (They made the correct decision to invest)
9. She feels it’s her right to know. (She feels it’s her legal or moral entitlement to know)
10. This doesn’t feel right to me. (This doesn’t feel morally or emotionally acceptable to me)

Conclusion

To sum up, while both “correct” and “right” can mean true or accurate, “correct” is often more formal and focused on factual accuracy, while “right” is more general and can also refer to moral, social, or legal acceptability.