a computer error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a computer error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a mistake or malfunction that occurs within a computer system or software. Example: "The program crashed due to a computer error that was not anticipated during testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a computer error".

Independent

"This was a computer error," he wrote.

The New York Times

Apparently, there had been a computer error.

The New Yorker

What if the electronic acceptance had been a computer error?

The New York Times

A computer error forced officials to cancel the first one.

The New York Times

A computer error overstated the project's benefits by another $4.7 million, they also said.

The New York Times

(Burdick also co-wrote "Fail Safe," in which a computer error triggers a nuclear war).

The New Yorker

A second letter revealed that the salutation was the result of a computer error.

The New Yorker

Dangers remain: a computer error, a malfunction in a silo, a rogue state, nuclear terrorism.

The New Yorker

Accept a wide-screen TV from a friend who received it at no charge because of a computer error.

The New York Times

A computer error enabled readers to remove blacked out parts of the document by simply cutting and pasting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of "a computer error", be specific about what went wrong. For example, instead of saying "There was a computer error", specify "A computer error caused the system to shut down unexpectedly."

Common error

Avoid attributing all technical issues to simply "a computer error" without investigating further. In some cases, the issue might stem from human error, network problems, or outdated software. Always aim to identify the specific cause to avoid misdiagnosis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a computer error" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of problem. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “a computer error” is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that serves to explain malfunctions originating within computer systems. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples from reputable sources. While versatile, ensure you provide sufficient context when using the phrase; specify the resulting impact rather than broadly attributing issues to simply “a computer error”. Alternatives like "a system malfunction" or "a software glitch" may offer more precision depending on the situation. Ultimately, being specific and avoiding overgeneralization will strengthen the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a system malfunction

Focuses on the broader system rather than specifically the computer component.

a software glitch

Specifically refers to a minor, often temporary, problem in software.

a programming mistake

Highlights the human element of creating the error through programming.

an algorithmic error

Emphasizes the flaw within the algorithm used by the computer.

a coding defect

Technical term denoting a fault introduced during the coding process.

a processing fault

Highlights the error that occurs during computer processing activities.

a technical failure

Broadly refers to a failure within the technical system that includes a computer.

a digital mishap

More informal term for a digital mistake or problem.

a data corruption issue

Indicates that the integrity of the data has been compromised because of an error.

a logic fault

Signifies a failure of logical reasoning within a computer program.

FAQs

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

You can use "a computer error" to describe the reason for a malfunction or unexpected outcome. For example: "The transaction failed because of "a computer error"." or "The system crashed due to "a computer error"."

What are some alternatives to "a computer error"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a system malfunction", "a software glitch", or "a programming mistake".

What's the difference between "a computer error" and "a human error"?

"A computer error" refers to a fault within the computer system or software itself, whereas "a human error" indicates a mistake made by a person that led to the problem. It's often crucial to differentiate between the two to address the root cause effectively.

Is it acceptable to use "a computer error" in formal writing?

Yes, "a computer error" is a standard and acceptable phrase in formal writing, especially when detailing technical issues or describing the cause of a problem in a professional context. However, ensure that the context is appropriate and that the term is specific enough for the situation.