an error where

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an error where" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type of mistake or issue that occurs in a particular context or situation. Example: "There was an error where the system failed to process the transaction correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is most likely an error where the information about the relapse was omitted.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The article by Aktipis and Nesse (2013) contained an error where Leo Kinlen was wrongly attributed to Mel Greave's book, 'Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy'.

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The term beta or type II error describes a statistical error where a trial would find that an intervention is negative (that is, not effective) when, in fact, it is not (false-negative).

Critical Care

We wanted to let you know about a recent error where a summary e-mail from Facebook Analytics about your app was sent to testers of your app '[APP NAME WILL BE DYNAMICALLY INSERTED HERE]'.

TechCrunch

Across 10 weeks of monitoring, 70 sites were sampled successfully for formaldehyde while 69 of 70 scheduled sites were sampled successfully for BTEX compounds due to a field error where a sampler was not deployed to one site scheduled for monitoring.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Furthermore, we found an additional error where the server does not implement the resource record type DNSKEY and, therefore, is DNSSEC incapable.

Security Informatics

It was an unforced error where the coverup was actually more damaging..."...

Huffington Post

It adds: "This was a genuine error where there was a delay in releasing funds, and falls short of the brilliant experience we want all our customers to have.

The Guardian - Money

No treatment is suggested, however, and this is likely to be a scribal error where the original verdict would have been a case not to treat (Breasted 1930).

Acta Orthopaedica

"We still believe the decision to deduct three points for fielding a player as a result of an honest human error, where there was no intention to gain an unfair advantage, was disproportionate.

BBC

We have corrected a homophonic error where we previously said "Murray looked both taught and fraught".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an error where" to clearly indicate the context or condition under which the error occurs, making your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "where" to introduce a clause that doesn't specify a location or condition. "Where" should only be used when referring to a place or situation. Using "that" is more appropriate for explaining the nature of the error itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an error where" functions as a relative clause, modifying the noun "error". It specifies the condition or context in which the error occurs. Ludwig indicates its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an error where" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a relative clause. It serves to specify the circumstances or conditions under which an error occurs, and its register ranges from neutral to formal. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for describing specific types of mistakes across various contexts, including science, news media, and general writing. When constructing sentences with this phrase, ensure that "where" refers to a condition or situation, rather than attempting to describe the error itself, for which "that" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mistake in which

Replaces "error" with "mistake" and restructures the sentence to use "in which" instead of "where".

an instance where a mistake occurred

Replaces "error" with "mistake", adds the idea of an 'instance', and uses more formal language.

a situation in which there was an error

Shifts the focus to a 'situation' instead of directly referencing an error, adding a degree of separation.

a discrepancy observed when

Uses 'discrepancy' instead of 'error' to highlight differences and observation time.

an inaccuracy noted in

Highlights that the problem is inaccuracy and that this was 'noted in' some context.

a fault discovered when

Uses 'fault' instead of 'error' to highlight a malfunction and discovery of the fault.

a case of mistaken identity

Focuses on the specific error of mistaken identity, implying a problem related to confusion of identities.

an oversight identified during

Highlights the error was an oversight during some process.

a glitch in the system

Uses the term "glitch" to describe a technical error, suggesting a temporary malfunction.

a lapse in judgment

Focuses on the human aspect of the error. It was a failing or a 'lapse in judgment'.

FAQs

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

Use "an error where" to specify a situation or condition in which a mistake or problem occurs. For example, "There was "an error where" the system failed to process the transaction correctly."

What are some alternatives to "an error where"?

Alternatives include "a mistake in which", "an instance where a mistake occurred", or "a situation in which there was an error". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always correct to use "where" after "error"?

No, "where" should only be used when referring to a place, location, or condition. If you're describing the nature of the error itself, use "that" or rephrase the sentence.

What's the difference between "an error where" and "an error that"?

"An error where" specifies the context or condition in which the error happens. "An error that" describes the nature or characteristics of the error itself.