Proper or incorrect English?

Question

The other day I made a mistake and I plan on apologizing. Would it be incorrect if I said "I know I was in the wrong but..." instead of "I know I was wrong but...?" What I'm basically trying to ask is can a person be IN the wrong?

Answer 1

You can use them interchangeably.  However, Imagine if someone came to you and said, I was wrong, BUT...  It's what you say after that word that will make or break this apology.  I assume you want the person to accept it.

I know I was wrong, but you're making too big a deal out of it - just won't work.  

I now see that I was wrong---is for a reaction you didn't expect and you are sorry you upset the person.

It might be best to leave out the but.  I know I was wrong.  Then say something like: I won't do it again.  I'm sorry I upset you.  I am sorry I did it. I really didn't expect you to be this upset...please tell me how to handle this in the future...

Answer 2

yes, it's more of a classic English phrase, but your usage is correct.

in the wrong, to blame; in error: He knew he was in the wrong but refused to concede the point.

Answer 3

Yes, a person can be in the wrong.

If you're apologizing though I would think you would say "I know I was in the wrong AND I want to apologize for that (or whatever else you're following "I know I was in the wrong" with).  I don't really know where you're going with the "but".  It doesn't make sense to say "I know I was in the wrong but I want to apologize" or anything along those lines.

The only way you would say "but" is if you were trying to justify your position.  I know I was in the wrong "but" I was under the impression that you were picking me up at 7:00, for example.  It's best just to apologize for your mistake and leave it at that.

Answer 4

Both are correct.

You are 'in the wrong' if you took the wrong side of an argument for example.

You can also 'be wrong' about something or someone, as well as 'do wrong'.

As long as the 'but' is followed by 'can you forgive me?' or something similar, it isn't an excuse but part of the apology.

Answer 5

Good on you for apologizing, many people don't do that.

Either sentence is correct.

Personally, I prefer "I was wrong".

If you are going to apologize to someone for something you've done or said leave out the "BUT blah, blah, blah".

I'm very sorry I (did or said whatever it was).

I was wrong. Please accept my apology.

Give the apology, don't give excuses.

Explain your reasons at a later date.