clerical error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clerical error" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to an unintentional mistake made by someone doing office work, such as entering incorrect information into a computer system or writing incorrect information on a form. For example: "The payment didn't go through due to a clerical error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sounds like a clerical error.

The New York Times

He blames a clerical error.

The Guardian - Sport

(A clerical error, he insisted).

The New York Times - Magazine

Probably just a clerical error.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a simple clerical error.

The New Yorker

"This is not just a clerical error.

The New York Times

It can only be a clerical error.

The Guardian - Sport

The resort insisted this was due to a clerical error.

The Guardian

(Waldo County's problem was attributed to a clerical error).

The New York Times

It attributed the mistake to a "clerical error".

The New York Times

A gallery news release dates the printing to 1996, but this is not a clerical error.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clerical error" when you want to downplay the severity of a mistake, suggesting it was a simple, easily rectified oversight rather than a systemic problem.

Common error

Avoid using "clerical error" as a blanket explanation for significant or recurring issues. Overusing the phrase can diminish accountability and suggest a lack of thoroughness in addressing underlying problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clerical error" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes an unintentional mistake made during office work. Examples show it explaining discrepancies or attributing blame to simple mistakes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clerical error" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe unintentional mistakes in office or administrative tasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used to explain discrepancies and minimize the perceived severity of errors. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific publications. While generally neutral to professional in register, overusing it as a blanket excuse should be avoided. Alternatives like "administrative mistake" or "data entry error" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administrative mistake

Focuses on the error occurring within an administrative context.

typographical error

Specifically refers to errors in typing or writing.

data entry error

Highlights mistakes made during the process of entering data.

paperwork mistake

Emphasizes errors in handling paperwork.

bookkeeping error

Focuses on errors specifically related to financial record-keeping.

oversight

Implies a failure to notice or consider something, leading to an error.

inadvertent error

Highlights the unintentional nature of the mistake.

unintentional mistake

Stresses that the error was not deliberate.

human error

Broadly attributes the mistake to human fallibility.

technical glitch

Suggests the error resulted from a malfunction in a technical system.

FAQs

What does the term "clerical error" mean?

A "clerical error" refers to an unintentional mistake made during routine office tasks, such as data entry, filing, or record-keeping.

What are some alternative phrases for "clerical error"?

Alternatives include "administrative mistake", "typographical error", or "data entry error", depending on the specific context.

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

You might say, "The incorrect billing was due to a "clerical error" in the accounting department" or "The customer's address was misspelled because of a "clerical error".

Is "clerical error" the same as "technical error"?

No, "clerical error" refers to mistakes made by people in office tasks, while a "technical error" suggests a problem with technology or systems.