a technical fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a technical fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or error related to technology or technical systems. Example: "The presentation was delayed due to a technical fault with the projector."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In part this seems a technical fault.

The Guardian - Film

It was so bad, it looked like a technical fault.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The email was caused by a technical fault.

The Guardian

A technical fault caused the crash, military officials said.

The New York Times

Bad weather and a technical fault were cited.

The Washington Post

A technical fault had plunged Walters into headphones like earmuffs for 20 minutes of her show".

The New York Times - Magazine

If a technical fault were to emerge, the world's policeman would be grounded.

The Economist

Due to a technical fault, we have been unable to upload today's Azed crossword.

The Guardian

A problem with an engine or a technical fault would not produce an immediate accident.

The Guardian

I hope for magic but what I get, in the end, is a technical fault.

The Guardian - Arts

Officers are trying to establish whether this was due to a technical fault or human error.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting "a technical fault", be specific about the affected system or component to provide clarity and facilitate troubleshooting.

Common error

Avoid using "a technical fault" as a catch-all phrase. Provide details about the nature and impact of the fault whenever possible to offer better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a technical fault" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically identifies a problem or malfunction related to technology or equipment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a technical fault" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an issue related to technology or equipment. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business settings. While versatile, specificity in describing the fault is crucial for clarity. Related phrases like "a system malfunction" or "an equipment failure" offer alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a technological problem

This is a broad term covering any problem related to technology.

a system malfunction

This alternative emphasizes the breakdown of a system rather than a specific component.

an equipment failure

This term focuses on the failure of physical equipment to function correctly.

a device malfunction

Similar to 'system malfunction', but specifically refers to a device.

a mechanical defect

This suggests a flaw in the mechanics of a device or machine.

a hardware issue

If the fault is within the physical components, this alternative is suitable.

an operational error

This phrase points to a mistake in the operation of a system or device, rather than a fault in the technology itself.

a software bug

If the fault is related to software, this is a precise term.

a glitch in the system

This is a more informal way to describe a minor, temporary problem.

a programming error

Specifies the origin of the problem as a mistake in programming.

FAQs

How can I describe "a technical fault" in more detail?

To provide more detail, specify the affected system or component and the nature of the problem. For example, instead of saying "a technical fault", you could say "a software bug" or "an equipment failure".

What are some synonyms for "a technical fault"?

Synonyms include "a system malfunction", "an equipment failure", or "a technological problem", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a technical fault" in formal writing?

Yes, "a technical fault" is suitable for formal writing, especially when providing factual information. However, consider using more specific terms if precision is required.

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

"A technical fault" refers to a problem with the technology itself, while "human error" indicates a mistake made by a person operating or interacting with the technology. Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between them.