acknowledge error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledge error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is admitting to a mistake or recognizing a fault in a process or action. Example: "In order to improve our workflow, we must acknowledge error and take steps to prevent it in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

One also despairs at the grudging refusal to acknowledge error.

The Guardian - Film

Momentum is growing for legislation to protect doctors who acknowledge error and apologize.

The New York Times

Anyone who needs another demonstration of how difficult it is for law enforcement authorities to acknowledge error can always look to the case of Capt.

The New York Times

The challenge facing Dr. Dean was complex: to demonstrate humor, to acknowledge error, to display a calm and presidential demeanor but also to remind constituents of the passionate antiwar insurgent who first attracted them.

The New York Times

But true masculinity, like true sportsmanship, contains other virtues, too: forthrightness, honesty, fair play, courage in difficult situations, readiness to acknowledge error, concern for the weak as well as admiration for the strong.

The New York Times

If his strength – often boldly displayed during his own two terms as mayor – has always been a far-sighted independence and strategic grasp that Johnson lacks, his weakness has been an obdurate inability to acknowledge error or mend fences with critics where possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Elsewhere, however, I found more willingness to acknowledge errors and seek new ways forward.

The New Yorker

And it's both Times policy and mine to acknowledge errors when you make them.

The New York Times

"We try our best to fix and acknowledge errors, as soon as possible," Mr. Brock said.

The New York Times

The special prosecutor in the C.I.A. leak case tangled with a psychologist who testified about memory research, forcing her to acknowledge errors and misstatements in her research.

The New York Times

"Reuters always strives for the highest standards in journalism and our policy is to acknowledge errors honestly and correct them promptly when they occur".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delivering feedback, "acknowledge error" to foster an environment of trust and continuous improvement. Focus on solutions, not blame.

Common error

Avoid using "acknowledge error" as a prelude to assigning blame. Instead, use it as an opportunity to initiate a constructive dialogue about process improvement.

Linguistic Context

Acknowledge error" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, denoting the act of recognizing and admitting a mistake or fault. It's used to describe the process of taking ownership of inaccuracies or flaws. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase appears in contexts where accountability and responsibility are emphasized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acknowledge error" is a phrase used to express the act of admitting a mistake or fault. Ludwig AI indicates that its grammatical status is correct and most often used in news and media, wiki and science. While interchangeable with similar phrases like "admit fault" or "concede mistake", it carries a nuance of formal recognition. When using the phrase, focus on fostering trust and facilitating constructive dialogue. Be aware not to abuse it by making it as a premise for shifting the blame. Overall, "acknowledge error" is a phrase that has a neutral to professional tone, suitable for serious discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admit fault

Replaces "error" with "fault", implying responsibility for a mistake.

concede mistake

Uses "concede" to indicate a reluctant admission of a mistake.

recognize mistake

Emphasizes the recognition of a mistake, rather than the admission.

own up to error

An idiomatic phrase suggesting taking responsibility for an error.

confess to mistake

Implies a formal admission or confession of a mistake.

accept responsibility for error

Focuses on the acceptance of responsibility associated with the error.

admit imperfection

Replaces "error" with "imperfection", softening the admission.

acknowledge imperfection

Similar to "admit imperfection", but uses "acknowledge" for a less forceful admission.

realize error

Focuses on understanding the error has occurred

recognize flaw

Replace "error" with "flaw", that can be physical or a personal characteristic

FAQs

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

You can use "acknowledge error" to describe the act of admitting a mistake, as in, "The company needs to "acknowledge error" in its reporting."

What phrases are similar to "acknowledge error"?

Similar phrases include "admit fault", "concede mistake", and "recognize mistake". Each carries a slightly different nuance related to admission and responsibility.

Is it better to "acknowledge error" or "admit error"?

"Acknowledge error" and "admit error" are often interchangeable, but "acknowledge" can sometimes imply a more formal or public recognition, while "admit" suggests a more personal confession.

Why is it important to "acknowledge error" in professional settings?

In professional settings, to "acknowledge error" fosters trust, demonstrates accountability, and encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Ignoring errors can lead to distrust and repeated mistakes.