a technical error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a technical error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake or malfunction related to technology or technical processes. Example: "The system crashed due to a technical error that occurred during the update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, Zimmer finds a technical error by forensics technician Dale Stuckey Noel Fisherr) in the evidence paperwork.

Wikipedia

Grissom blamed it on a technical error.

The Guardian - Film

The magazine later apologised for a "technical error".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It would seem that there has been a technical error, but neither company is admitting it.

The Guardian - Tech

When originally published online, a technical error led to part of a sentence being lost.

The Guardian

Due to a technical error, the date displayed online is incorrect.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

London Lite has blamed a 12,000 fall in its recorded distribution on a technical error.

The Guardian

"This was not a technical error of some sort," Pääbo insists.

The Guardian

"It wasn't a technical error, it wasn't a lapse in concentration".

The Guardian - Sport

A technical error meant that an early version of this story went online with words missing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

c: The fundus has been wrapped around the body of the stomach a technical error.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When investigating "a technical error", document all steps taken to reproduce the error and the outcomes observed.

Common error

Avoid using "a technical error" as a catch-all explanation. Instead, strive to identify the root cause of the error and describe it accurately to prevent future occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a technical error" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying the source of a problem or explaining a failure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a technical error" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that serves to explain problems or failures related to technology. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral, its presence is more pronounced in formal scientific publications. When using the phrase, specificity about the affected system or process is crucial to providing clarity. Alternative phrases, such as "a system failure" or "a software glitch", can be employed depending on the specific context to add accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fault in the system

Changes the structure to emphasize where the fault lies.

a system failure

Focuses on the failure of a system rather than a specific error.

a device malfunction

Highlights a problem with the functionality of a device.

a software glitch

Specifically refers to a minor malfunction in software.

a coding bug

Specifically refers to an error in computer code.

a mechanical fault

Indicates a problem with a mechanical device.

a data corruption

Specifies the error as being related to damaged or altered data.

a procedural mistake

Highlights an error in following a specific process.

an operational defect

Emphasizes a flaw in the operation of something.

an oversight

Implies a mistake due to negligence or inattention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a technical error" to describe a mistake or malfunction related to technology or technical processes. For example, "The website crashed due to "a technical error" during the update".

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

"A technical error" refers to a mistake caused by technology or a technical process, while "a human error" refers to a mistake made by a person.

What can I say instead of "a technical error"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a system failure", "a software glitch", or "a device malfunction".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a technical error"?

The phrase "a technical error" is appropriate when describing an issue stemming from a failure in technology, software, or a technical process. It's commonly used in reports, explanations, and discussions about system malfunctions or failures.