a common error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mistake that many people make, often in a specific context such as writing, grammar, or technical tasks. Example: "One common error in English writing is the misuse of apostrophes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A common error.

The New York Times

Admittedly, it's a common error.

The Guardian

This avoids a common error.

Cornell University

The failure to do this is a common error.

The New York Times - Books

But the exaggerated expectation of consistency is a common error.

The New York Times - Magazine

A common error is to focus on only one.

The New York Times

It's a common error to forget to raise the tone at the end.

The Guardian

Moreover, a common error is to introduce dimensions of quality that are unimportant to consumers.

Harvard Business Review

This is a common error on ducks that are flying into a strong wind.

The New York Times - Sports

A common error Mr. Boyd sees over and over is simple to fix.

The New York Times

It is a common error to attribute the lines to Lincoln.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common error", specify the context or area where the error occurs to provide clarity and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "a common error" without providing specific examples or context, as this can make your statement vague and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common error" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig's AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. It serves to identify and introduce a mistake that frequently occurs within a specific context or area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common error" is a versatile and frequently used expression that serves to point out mistakes that occur regularly across diverse fields. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As shown by the examples, it's often followed by a specific instance of the error, providing context and clarity. While the phrase itself is neutral, it's important to provide sufficient details to avoid overgeneralization and ensure the message is helpful and informative. Alternatives such as "a frequent mistake" or "a typical mistake" can be used to add slight variations in emphasis, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequent mistake

Changes the adjective to 'frequent', emphasizing the high occurrence of the error.

a typical mistake

Replaces 'common' with 'typical', suggesting the error is representative of a general pattern.

a widespread error

Substitutes 'common' with 'widespread', highlighting the extensive reach of the mistake.

a prevalent error

Uses 'prevalent' instead of 'common', indicating the error is widely existing or occurring.

a recurring mistake

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the error by using 'recurring'.

a regular error

Suggests the error happens at consistent intervals or is done frequently.

a familiar mistake

Implies that the error is well-known or easily recognized due to its frequent occurrence.

a general error

Indicates the error is broad and not specific to a particular situation.

a routine mistake

Suggests the error is normal or expected, often because it happens so frequently.

a standard mistake

Refers to an error that has become the norm because of its frequent occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "a common error" in a sentence?

You can use "a common error" to introduce a mistake that frequently occurs, such as: "A common error is to confuse correlation with causation."

What are some alternatives to "a common error"?

Alternatives include "a frequent mistake", "a typical mistake", or "a widespread error", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a common error that people make"?

While not strictly redundant, the phrase "that people make" can often be implied when discussing "a common error", so it's usually more concise to simply state "a common error".

What's the difference between "a common error" and "a systemic error"?

"A common error" refers to a mistake that many individuals frequently make, while "a systemic error" points to a fault within a system or process that leads to recurring mistakes.