administrative error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "administrative error" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a mistake or oversight made in the administrative or organizational aspect of something. Example: "We apologize for the delay in your application processing. It was due to an administrative error on our part. We are working to rectify it as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Due to an administrative error, data on gender was not collected during survey administration and response rate varied by item.

BMC Pediatrics

"It was an administrative error.

The New York Times

Was it an administrative error?

The Guardian - Sport

He blames "an administrative error".

The Guardian

Presumably some sort of administrative error.

The Guardian - Sport

Should an athlete be punished for an administrative error?

The Guardian - Sport

That well-known serial offender, "internal administrative error".

The Guardian - Business

We've taken action that this administrative error does not occur".

The New York Times

A Home Office spokeswoman called it an "administrative error".

The Economist

There might have been an administrative error, but this was nothing to do with the ethics.

The Guardian - Sport

It described the failure to report the first fatal accident as "an isolated administrative error".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "administrative error", be specific about the nature of the error and its impact. Provide context to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "administrative error" as a vague explanation without providing details. This can appear evasive and damage credibility. Instead, specify the error and the steps taken to correct it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "administrative error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the type of error made. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "administrative error" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a mistake in an administrative process. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports and scientific papers to formal business communications. While the phrase itself is neutral, its use often aims to explain or excuse an oversight. To ensure clarity and maintain credibility, it's best to specify the nature of the error rather than using the term as a vague catch-all. Alternatives such as "clerical mistake" or "oversight" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clerical mistake

Focuses on errors specifically related to clerical work and record-keeping.

oversight

Implies a failure to notice or consider something important.

procedural mistake

Highlights an error in following established procedures.

bureaucratic slip-up

Emphasizes a minor mistake within a bureaucratic system.

management blunder

Suggests a significant mistake in management or organizational oversight.

organizational failure

Focuses on a broader failure within an organization's systems or processes.

systems error

Points to a fault within a system or process, leading to the mistake.

unintentional omission

Highlights that the error was not deliberate.

inadvertent mistake

Similar to unintentional omission, stressing the error was accidental.

compliance failure

Indicates a failure to adhere to rules or regulations.

FAQs

How to use "administrative error" in a sentence?

"Administrative error" is used to describe a mistake made during an administrative process. For example, "The delay was caused by an "administrative error" in processing the paperwork".

What can I say instead of "administrative error"?

You can use alternatives like "clerical mistake", "oversight", or "procedural mistake" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "administrative error" or "administration error"?

"Administrative error" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Administration error" is less frequent and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "administrative error" and "negligence"?

"Administrative error" implies an unintentional mistake, while "negligence" suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care, potentially implying a greater degree of fault or irresponsibility.