an error

USAGE SUMMARY

"an error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a mistake or mistake made by someone, for example: "He made an error on his last exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It was an error".

The New York Times

(Jesús made an error).

The New York Times - Sports

This is an error.

Independent

This was an error.

The New Yorker

He also made an error.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is, historically, an error".

The New York Times

O.K., maybe not an error.

The New York Times

Crawford was given an error.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, that's an error.

The Guardian - Film

Is that an error?

The New Yorker

End of an Error".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an error", ensure the context clearly indicates the type and impact of the mistake. Be specific about what went wrong and, if possible, why.

Common error

Avoid attributing "an error" to vague causes. Instead of saying "it was just an error", explain the specific factors that contributed to the mistake. This demonstrates accountability and facilitates better problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an error" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "an" is an indefinite article modifying the noun "error". According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and common. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in various contexts, ranging from technical mistakes to personal misjudgments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for denoting a mistake or inaccuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general communication. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to identify or report a fault. While generally neutral to professional in tone, it's crucial to specify the nature and cause of the "error" to provide clarity and facilitate effective problem-solving. Alternatives such as "a mistake" or "an inaccuracy" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mistake

Replaces "error" with a more common synonym.

an inaccuracy

Highlights the lack of precision or correctness.

a fault

Substitutes "error" with a term emphasizing responsibility or imperfection.

an oversight

Suggests the error resulted from a failure to notice something.

a lapse

Indicates a temporary failure of judgment or concentration.

a blunder

Implies a more significant or careless error.

a miscalculation

Specifies that the error involves incorrect calculations.

a slip-up

A more informal term for a minor mistake.

a faux pas

Refers to a social mistake or breach of etiquette.

a bug

A technical term, especially used when referring to software issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "an error" to describe a mistake or inaccuracy. For example, "The report contained "an error" in the calculation of the total revenue."

What are some alternatives to saying "an error"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a mistake", "a fault", or "an inaccuracy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a error" instead of "an error"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect to say "a error". The correct form is "an error" because "error" begins with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an error" and "a mistake"?

While often interchangeable, "an error" can sometimes imply a more formal or technical context, whereas "a mistake" is generally more informal. However, in most cases, they can be used synonymously.