at error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at error" is not commonly used in standard written English, but it can be found in specific contexts, particularly in legal or technical language.
You can use it when referring to a situation where something is incorrect or mistaken, often in formal or technical discussions. Example: "The system was found to be at error, leading to the incorrect data output."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Spectators throw rubber balls at error messages that flash on the screen.

The New York Times - Arts

So typical of anybody teaching at Berkeley to point out at error made by a conservative justice.

University of California, Berkeley

Results showed that the electronic device measured sample volumes at error margins ranging from 1.1% (watermelons) to 4.7% (large cucumbers).

Postharvest Biology and Technology

For a period on Tuesday, journalists in the press office were left staring at error messages on the screen, as they were unable to access the web.

The Guardian - Tech

It begins with a look at error in the ED and then looks beyond the ED to examine error in the context of the wider health care system.

Annals of Emergency Medicine

The washing method was found to be more stable at error of ± 1% for all the surfactant solutions except aescin and lecithin.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

And here, we're looking at errors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's just look at errors for a minute.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Are you an amateur copy editor, cluck-clucking at errors as you read your morning newspaper?

The New York Times - Magazine

"The way I look at errors is that it's not like they're trying to make them," Lowe said.

The New York Times - Sports

She has the mercurial moods of a teen-ager — she snarls and pouts at errors, hops and laughs at winners, and then, just as quickly, seems to forget.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "at error" is acceptable, consider using the more common and readily understood phrase "in error" for clarity and broader acceptance in general writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at error" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can be replaced with simpler alternatives like "mistaken" or "wrong".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at error" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate a state or condition of being incorrect. Ludwig examples show it used to describe systems or data that are flawed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at error" is grammatically acceptable but less common than alternatives like "in error". Ludwig AI suggests that it finds its primary use in formal and scientific contexts, indicating a state of being incorrect or flawed. While understandable, it's best to consider the register and choose more common phrases like "in error" or "at fault" for broader clarity. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its usage across science, news, and academic domains, though less frequently compared to its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in error

A more standard and widely accepted way to express that something is incorrect.

at fault

Indicates responsibility for a mistake or problem, focusing on culpability.

incorrectly

Adverb describing an action done wrongly, shifting the focus to the action itself.

mistakenly

Similar to 'incorrectly', but emphasizes the unintentional nature of the error.

flawed

Describes something as having imperfections or defects.

defective

Implies a significant fault that impairs functionality.

out of order

Indicates that something is not functioning correctly.

malfunctioning

Refers specifically to a failure in the proper operation of something.

gone wrong

A more general way of saying something has failed or become incorrect.

amiss

Suggests that something is not as it should be, indicating a problem or error.

FAQs

What does "at error" mean?

The phrase "at error" indicates a state of being incorrect or mistaken. It's often used in formal or technical contexts to describe something that is flawed or not functioning correctly.

Which is a better phrase to use, "at error" or "in error"?

"In error" is generally preferred as it is more widely recognized and commonly used in standard English. While "at error" is acceptable, it can sound overly formal or less natural.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "at error"?

The phrase "at error" is more appropriate in formal or technical writing, such as legal documents or scientific reports. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "mistaken" or "incorrect" may be better choices.

What are some alternatives to saying something is "at error"?

Some alternatives include "at fault", "incorrectly", or "flawed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase "in error" is also a good substitute.