admitted error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admitted error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging a mistake or fault that has been recognized or confessed. Example: "After reviewing the report, the team acknowledged the admitted error in the calculations that affected the final results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But he has never admitted error.

The New York Times

In reality, of course, Kelly has neither admitted error nor apologized.

The New York Times

Let's put it this way: If the president admitted error as frequently, he would earn far fewer Pinocchios.

The Washington Post

Referring to the 2003 abduction and five-month detention of a German, Khaled al-Masri, by the United States on suspicion of terrorism, Mrs. Merkel said that the United States had admitted error in the case, not that Ms. Rice had admitted error.

The New York Times

It was the first time Mr. Rajoy has admitted error since disclosures in January that Mr. Bárcenas had hidden money in Swiss bank accounts.

The New York Times

A medical examiner, suspended in February after an admitted error in an autopsy led to the murder indictment of an innocent man, said he planned to retire as coroner in both Cape May and Cumberland Counties, where he worked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And Strachan admitted errors like that needed to be addressed.

BBC

The electoral commission has admitted errors but defended the overall conduct of the vote.

BBC

"They brought officers up on charges; they admitted errors.

Los Angeles Times

He never admits error.

The Washington Post

No one likes admitting error.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "admitted error", ensure the context clearly indicates who is admitting the error and what the consequences of that error are.

Common error

Don't leave the "admitted error" without specifying who made the admission. Vague attribution weakens the statement and can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admitted error" functions as a noun phrase, where "admitted" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "error". This phrase is commonly used to describe situations where a mistake or fault has been acknowledged. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "admitted error" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to acknowledge a mistake or fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in formal contexts and frequently appears in news and media. Its usage implies a recognition and confession of a mistake, often in professional or official settings. Alternatives include "acknowledged mistake" or "confessed error", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "admitted error", ensure clear attribution to avoid vagueness and maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledged mistake

Replaces the verb "admitted" with the more direct noun "mistake", simplifying the admission.

confessed error

Emphasizes the act of admitting guilt or responsibility for the error.

recognized error

Focuses on the identification of the error, rather than the act of admitting it.

conceded mistake

Implies a reluctant admission of error, often after some debate or resistance.

owned up to the error

An idiomatic expression indicating acceptance of responsibility for the error.

fessed up to the mistake

An informal way to say someone admitted a mistake.

accepted responsibility for the error

Shifts the focus to taking responsibility rather than simply admitting the error.

acknowledged the fault

Uses "fault" instead of "error", suggesting a moral or ethical lapse.

took ownership of the mistake

Emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability for the error.

came clean about the error

Suggests a full and honest disclosure of a previously hidden error.

FAQs

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

You can use "admitted error" to describe a situation where someone has acknowledged a mistake, such as, "The company issued a statement regarding the "admitted error" in their financial reporting".

What are some alternatives to saying "admitted error"?

Alternatives include "acknowledged mistake", "confessed error", or "recognized error". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "admitted mistake" or "admitted error"?

Both "admitted mistake" and "admitted error" are grammatically correct and understandable. "Error" tends to be more formal and is often used in professional or technical contexts, while "mistake" is more common in everyday language.

What does it mean when someone says there was an "admitted error"?

It means that a person, organization, or entity has acknowledged that a mistake occurred. This acknowledgment often implies some level of responsibility or accountability for the error.