correct about + subject
Being right about something
Use 'correct about' when someone has the right information or opinion about a topic.
He was correct about the deadline.
How to use 'correct' with prepositions
'Correct' is commonly followed by different prepositions depending on meaning. 'Correct about' and 'correct in' are standard. Other combinations may describe place or topic rather than a fixed adjective pattern.
Quick answer
Common uses of 'correct'
Use 'correct about' for being right about a fact or opinion, and 'correct in' for being right in an action, judgment, or detail. 'Correct for' is common in technical contexts meaning adjust for something. 'Correct on' is informal in some varieties when discussing details or facts. 'Correct at' is usually not a standard pattern after the adjective.
You were correct about the schedule.
She was correct in her analysis.
The data was corrected for inflation.
She was correct in her analysis.
The data was corrected for inflation.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
correct in + action/opinion
Being right in a judgment or action
Use 'correct in' to describe being justified or accurate in a decision, statement, or behaviour.
They were correct in their assumptions.
correct for + factor
Adjusting something to allow for a factor
In scientific, statistical, and technical English, 'correct for' means adjust calculations or measurements.
Researchers corrected for age differences.
correct on + detail
Informal use about facts or details
Some speakers use 'correct on' when discussing specific points or details. It is less formal than 'correct about'.
She was correct on every detail.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
correct about
You were correct about the meeting time.
Right about a fact or topic.
correct in
She was correct in her decision.
Right in an action, judgment, or statement.
correct for
The figures were corrected for inflation.
Adjusted to account for something.
correct on
He was correct on most points.
Informal way to discuss accuracy on details or issues.
correct at
The answer is correct at this stage.
'At' usually introduces a separate time or situation phrase, not a fixed pattern after 'correct'.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using 'correct at' as a fixed adjective pattern
'Correct at' is not normally used to mean 'right about something'.
✕ She was correct at the answer. ✓ She was correct about the answer.Confusing 'correct in' and 'correct about'
Use 'correct about' for topics and 'correct in' for judgments or actions.
✕ He was correct in the weather forecast. ✓ He was correct about the weather forecast.Using 'correct for' for opinions
'Correct for' usually means adjust mathematically or technically.
✕ She was correct for the issue. ✓ She was correct about the issue.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. You were ___ the train delay.
2. The scientist corrected the results ___ temperature changes.
3. She was correct ___ her judgment.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 'correct about' standard English?
Yes. It is a common way to say someone was right about a topic or fact.
Can I say 'correct on'?
Yes, especially in informal discussion of points or details, though 'correct about' is more widely accepted.
Is 'correct at' grammatical?
'At' can introduce a time or place phrase, but it is not normally the preposition chosen by the adjective 'correct'.
Related preposition guides
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