Identify an error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Identify an error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to find a mistake or flaw in a piece of text or information. Example: "In this paragraph, please identify an error and explain why it is incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We don't expect perfection we care more about how quickly they identify an error, how they communicate about it, and what they learn from it.

Harvard Business Review

The SEC fails to identify an error, and the error is subsequently identified by another party, leading to a future restatement (error missed – 1,228 observations).

Columbia University

Ellis states "… in order to identify an error, the analyst (and the teacher) needs to construct a native- speaker version of that part of the text containing an error" (op.cit.: 103).

Functional Linguistics

However, as each of the three angles has a different effect on the evolution of the error on our simulated trajectory, it is easy to identify an error in one angle.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Depending on the data, a confidence level should be chosen that is appropriate to identify an error.

Behavior Research Methods

The overall efficacy of the COACH system and its functioning as an assistive technology can be measured primarily by the ability of the COACH to identify an error by the participant and provide correct assistance in response.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The SEC identifies an error that causes a restatement (error caught – 1,114 observations).

Columbia University

We have identified an error in variability determination for a subset of sources near chip edges.

Harvard University

Following publication of the above paper, the author has identified an error with the name of one of the authors.

Nature

Paul Krugman (column, July 30) correctly identifies an error in a recent press release from the Office of Management and Budget, then converts it to a "lie".

The New York Times

I find some evidence that the SEC rewards both workload and performance, although the reward for identifying an error appears small, less than $1,000 per error.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "Identify an error", be specific about the context or document you're referring to. This will help them focus their efforts and find the error more efficiently.

Common error

Avoid using "Identify an error" without providing sufficient context. Ensure the person knows where to look and what type of errors to focus on, otherwise the request may be too broad and ineffective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Identify an error" functions as an imperative, directing someone to perform the action of finding a mistake or inaccuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Identify an error" is a grammatically sound and usable imperative, commonly found in scientific, academic, and news contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Alternative phrases include "spot a mistake" and "detect an inaccuracy". When using the phrase, providing specific context is crucial for effective communication. Remember that, while the phrase is correct, overlooking contextual relevance can lead to misinterpretation. Frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Spot a mistake

A more informal way to ask someone to find an error.

Detect an inaccuracy

Focuses on finding something that is not accurate.

Find a flaw

Emphasizes finding a defect or imperfection.

Recognize a fault

Highlights acknowledging a failure or defect.

Pinpoint an error

Suggests locating an error with precision.

Uncover a mistake

Implies revealing a hidden or previously unnoticed error.

Determine an error

Focuses on establishing that an error exists.

Ascertain an error

Suggests confirming an error through investigation.

Diagnose a mistake

Implies a detailed analysis to find the mistake, often used in technical contexts.

Locate an error

Emphasizes the physical or conceptual act of finding the error.

FAQs

How can I use "Identify an error" in a sentence?

You can use "Identify an error" to ask someone to find a mistake. For example: "In this paragraph, please "Identify an error" and explain why it is incorrect."

What are some alternatives to "Identify an error"?

You can use alternatives like "spot a mistake", "detect an inaccuracy", or "find a flaw", depending on the context.

What does it mean to "Identify an error"?

To "Identify an error" means to recognize or discover a mistake, inaccuracy, or fault in something, whether it's a piece of writing, a calculation, or a process.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "Identify an error"?

It's appropriate to use "Identify an error" in situations where you need someone to carefully examine something for mistakes, such as in editing, proofreading, debugging, or quality control.