a typographical error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a typographical error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mistake made in the typing process, often involving misspellings or incorrect formatting in written text. Example: "The report contained a typographical error that changed the meaning of the entire sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The case was, in other words, a sophisticated game of gotcha, based on what was, again, essentially a typographical error.

The New Yorker

Was that a typographical error?

The Guardian

"A typographical error, I'm sure".

The New York Times

— It looked like a typographical error.

The New York Times

Its unclear whether lucid is a typographical error.

The New York Times - Books

I have a couple of observations.First, about a typographical error.

The Economist

A typographical error in the picture caption of this article was corrected on Monday 26 September.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because of a typographical error, a letter yesterday about nursing homes misspelled the writer's surname.

The New York Times

(On Linotype machines, operators used the phrase "ETAOIN SHRDLU" to mark a typographical error).

The New Yorker

Yet another possibility is that "honed in" was a typographical error for "horned in".

The New Yorker

Anything in my book that suggests otherwise is the result of a typographical error.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When correcting a "typographical error", clearly indicate the original mistake and the corrected version to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "typographical error" when the mistake is not related to typing, such as factual inaccuracies or grammatical errors. Use more appropriate terms like "factual error" or "grammatical mistake" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a typographical error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of mistake made during the typing process. As Ludwig AI states, it refers to a mistake in the typing process, often involving misspellings or incorrect formatting in written text.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

23%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a typographical error" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe mistakes made during typing. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability across various writing contexts. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific publications. For closer alternatives, consider using "a typo" or "a typing mistake". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the nature of the error, and provide clear corrections to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typo

This is a shortened, more informal version of "a typographical error".

a typing mistake

This phrase emphasizes the action of typing as the source of the error.

a keyboarding error

Highlights the use of a keyboard as the source of the error.

a transcription error

This suggests the error occurred during the process of transcribing written or spoken content.

a clerical error

This refers to a mistake made during office work, which could include typing.

a written mistake

A broader term encompassing any error in written text, not specifically typing.

a formatting error

This implies the mistake is related to the layout or presentation of the text.

a proofreading error

This suggests the mistake was missed during the proofreading process.

an oversight

A general term for a mistake due to inattention or negligence.

a mistake in the text

This is a more generic way to refer to any error found in a text.

FAQs

How can I correct "a typographical error" in a document?

To correct "a typographical error", use editing tools or manually revise the text, ensuring the correction is clearly indicated. For digital documents, utilize track changes or add a correction note. In print, a footnote or errata sheet might be necessary.

What's the difference between "a typographical error" and "a grammatical error"?

"A typographical error" refers to mistakes in typing, such as misspellings or incorrect character usage. A "grammatical error", on the other hand, involves violations of grammatical rules, like incorrect verb tense or subject-verb agreement.

What are some common examples of "a typographical error"?

Common examples of "a typographical error" include misspelled words (e.g., "teh" instead of "the"), transposed letters (e.g., "hte" instead of "the"), and incorrect punctuation marks.

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

You can use alternatives like "a typo", "a typing mistake", or "a keyboarding error", depending on the context.