an administrative error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an administrative error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mistake made in the management or organization of administrative tasks or processes. Example: "Due to an administrative error, your application was not processed in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An independent panel said the breach was an "administrative error" and not done to gain a competitive advantage.

BBC

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

Should an athlete be punished for an administrative error?

The Guardian - Sport

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

The council said: "There was clearly an administrative error in this case".

The Guardian

A statement was put out about an "administrative error" in NSW.

The Guardian - Opinion

Detective Sgt. Kevin Smith blamed an administrative error for the delay in announcing the arrest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an administrative error", clearly state the consequences or impact of the error to provide context and underscore its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "an administrative error" as a blanket excuse without investigating the root cause. Instead, focus on implementing corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an administrative error" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, it serves to identify or explain a mistake that occurred during an administrative process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an administrative error" is a common way to explain mistakes that occur within organizational or managerial processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts, though it's most prevalent in news and professional settings. While it serves to explain errors, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, providing context and corrective measures, as indicated in the usage guidelines. Alternatives such as "clerical error" or "procedural mistake" can be used depending on the specific nature of the error. High-quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inadvertent error

Highlights the unintentional nature of the mistake.

an unintentional oversight

Emphasizes the lack of intent behind the error or omission.

a clerical error

Focuses on errors made during clerical tasks, implying a simpler mistake.

a data entry error

Identifies that the error was introduced during the entry of data.

a processing error

Indicates a mistake that occurred during some form of processing, often data.

a procedural mistake

Emphasizes that the error stems from not following established procedures.

a management oversight

Points to the error resulting from a failure in management processes.

a technical glitch

Specifically relates to technological or system-based errors.

a regulatory oversight

Highlights that the error is a failure to properly oversee regulatory requirements.

a systems failure

Points to a malfunction or breakdown in a system, leading to the error.

FAQs

How can I use "an administrative error" in a sentence?

You can use "an administrative error" to explain an unintentional mistake in a process, such as "Due to "an administrative error", your application was not processed in time."

What phrases can I use instead of "an administrative error"?

Alternatives to "an administrative error" include phrases like "clerical error", "procedural mistake", or "unintentional oversight", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "an administrative error" in formal writing?

Yes, "an administrative error" is suitable for formal writing, especially when explaining mistakes in official reports or business communications. However, always provide context or clarification to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "an administrative error" and "a technical glitch"?

"An administrative error" typically refers to mistakes in management or organizational tasks, while "a technical glitch" relates specifically to technological or system-based malfunctions.