I was in error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was in error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging a mistake or misunderstanding in a formal or polite context. Example: "After reviewing the facts, I must admit that I was in error regarding the details of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When I realized I was in error, not her, I did not apologize.

The New York Times - Style

I received a clarification that this kickass band with a kickass acronym is not formally associated with TEP, and thus I was in error.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A call to Ms. Clinton's press office brought a ferocious response from a senior staff member that I was in error, a grave one, and that the woman I had seen was actually the niece of the owner of the bar, who looked just like Ms. Clinton.

The New York Times

He issued a statement Tuesday, saying, "I was in error to remark on the University of Washington football program and am embarrassed over this development...

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As I mentioned in my post about Count II of the indictment, I'm not an expert on these Texas statutes; if I am in error here, please let me know, and I'll be glad to correct the error.

The Washington Post

However, if I judge that the cherry would look gray in bright light, I'm in error.

SEP

This "evil genius" (or deceiving "God, or whatever I may call him," AT 7 24) has given me flawed cognitive faculties, such that I am in error even about epistemically impressive matters — even the simple matters that seem supremely evident.

SEP

"If I am in error," Winslow writes, "to the person hiding behind Pearson I would say, To be taken for Pynchon is no small compliment but an enormous one, and your mimetic abilities in emulation of his sensibility are admirable.

Vice

where during_error is the period when flow i is in channel error.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

When I pointed out that 13.8 billion years of expansion is not the same as 13.8 billion LIGHT years of expansion, he asserted that I was in fundamental error on that point.

Cornell University

"I was falsely accused, and I think the jury was in error," Mr. Paternoster said in a telephone interview last week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was in error" in situations where you want to acknowledge a mistake formally and politely, especially in writing or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I was in error" in very informal settings where simpler phrases like "I was wrong" or "I made a mistake" would be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was in error" functions as a statement of admission or acknowledgment of a mistake or incorrect judgment. It serves to correct a previous statement or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was in error" is a formal way to admit a mistake or misjudgment. It's grammatically correct and suitable for both written and spoken English, primarily in contexts that require a degree of formality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English for acknowledging a mistake. Alternatives like "I made a mistake" or "I was wrong" are simpler and more appropriate for informal settings. While frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, its use should be considered in relation to the tone and context of the conversation or writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I made a mistake

Directly admits fault; simpler and more common.

I was mistaken

Similar in meaning but slightly less formal.

I erred

More formal and concise way of admitting a mistake.

I was wrong

Simple and direct statement of being incorrect.

My assessment was incorrect

More formal and specific to assessments or judgments.

I was incorrect

Similar to "I was wrong" but slightly more formal.

I stand corrected

Acknowledges correction, often after being corrected by someone else.

I miscalculated

Specific to errors in calculation or estimation.

I was under the wrong impression

Indicates a misunderstanding rather than a direct error.

I jumped to the wrong conclusion

Highlights an error in reasoning or inference.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I was in error"?

You can use alternatives like "I made a mistake", "I was mistaken", or "I was wrong" depending on the context.

Is "I was in error" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was in error" tends to be more formal. Simpler phrases like "I was wrong" are more common in informal settings.

How to use "I was in error" in a sentence?

Use "I was in error" to acknowledge a mistake or misjudgment. For example: "After reviewing the data, I realized I was in error regarding the initial projections."

What is the difference between "I was in error" and "I made an error"?

"I was in error" is a statement of being incorrect, while "I made an error" emphasizes the action of making a mistake. They are largely interchangeable but have slightly different connotations.