Is it wrong or rude to correct some one when you know they are wrong?

Answer 1

It depends on the person and the circumstances. As someone else pointed out you should never correct someone in front of others, it embarasses them. Generally you'll want to be oh-so-careful about correcting your social superiors (i.e., parents, grandparents, boss, etc.). I think correcting strangers can be dicey too. It also depends on the nature of the correction; is it something of a personal nature or is it a question of fact? For example, I once heard a foreigner mispronouncing an English word consistently. I was debating whether to approach him about it or not; I knew him but not very well. I consulted a friend who was shocked that I would even consider such a thing. Anyway, correcting him in this situation would have made it quite embarrassing for him, and likely it would have caused him to think of the correction every time he saw me and relive the embarassment, so I opted not to do it. However, if he had made an error in fact, I wouldn't have hesitated to correct him.

A good way to handle this is consider how you would react if you were corrected in a similar way. Consider what kind of embarassment the correction could produce, what kind of a message you are sending, and how important the correction is relative to the consequences. For example, corrections of etiquette are probably never worth making except for relatives and *sometimes* friends. I still feel embarassed about being corrected by a friend of mine on a point of etiquette some 18 years ago. I'm always going to associate that with that particular person.

Answer 2

I used to always correct someone when they said something wrong, but I have found from experience that people really hate it. I am not talking about correcting someone's grammar -- as long as I understand what you're trying to say, I don't care how you put the words together. But a lot of people say really stupid and ignorant things, like "men are better than women." It irritates me. It's a sign of ignorance that needs to be corrected. I feel like if you go on in silence, letting something like that pass, then you're as good as condoning the comment.

However, as I mentioned, NO ONE likes being corrected, no matter how many ignorant things they may say. I try to deal with this by making my comments as absolutely polite as possible. Also, from experience, you can start to realize when you shouldn't open your mouth to comment on someone else's ignorance. Some people won't let themselves be pushed too far. Their minds expand only to a certain distance, and if you try to push it further, it'll explode.

Answer 3

It is if you do it in front of someone. But if there is other people there and they are saying something wrong that is vital information, just say something to correct what they are saying without just coming out and saying, hey, you are wrong there. It would embarrass them terribly. Plus, it all depends on how well you know the other person too.

Answer 4

It depends on the situation. If you're talking about correcting an adult's grammar, that would be wrong. Correcting your own children's grammar is necessary. Otherwise, they'll never learn to speak properly.

If you're talking about correcting someone who has their facts wrong, it's probably ok, but, again, it depends on the situation. For example, I wouldn't correct my boss in front of others, but I would definitely mention it later to make sure that he knows what is true. If you're having a casual discussion among friends, it could easily be done as long as you're not insulting about it.

For example, if your friend says, "I heard that Bob Jones moved to Cleveland," but you know he moved to Columbus, you could say, "Are you sure? Mary told me that he moved to Columbus."

Answer 5

Not always. It depends upon the situation. At times, it may be dangerous not to correct someone when they're wrong (like when they're about to drink poison).

If you find yourself constantly correcting people when they're wrong, you might be getting a reputation as a faultfinder and a know-it-all. Be discrete. Pick your battles. Be courteous when you have to correct people.

Answer 6

It depends how you go about it.. interrupting someone for the sake of correcting them is rude... but then there's a lull in the conversation.. do it without the point of embarrassing them.. otherwise.. you won't be liked very much.

Answer 7

How could it be wrong? They are already wrong. Assuming that your are not also wrong, then that would make you right. And what is more alright than right?

Is it rude? Well, that depends on how you present the facts.

Answer 8

Depends on the situation and personality of that person, but If you think your correction helps him or other people, the best way is to say it indirectly. like you start talking with that person & say the right form of what he said wrong, he'll figure out his mistake instantly.

Answer 9

My friends are so dumb when they find out that they are wrong they still put up an argument.It is not wrong but some people get offended.

Answer 10

I struggle with that one. I try to make a judgement at that moment to correct them or not.