commit an error

USAGE SUMMARY

"commit an error" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when someone does something wrong or makes a mistake. For example: "He committed an error when he submitted the wrong form."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The Mets did not commit an error.

The New York Times - Sports

You have to do something right to commit an error.

The New Yorker

"Brazil is not going to commit an error just because its partner did".

The New York Times

The Giants had 109 games this season in which they did not commit an error.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite his struggles against Leiter, Erstad batted.300 for the series and did not commit an error.

The New York Times

The Yankees did not commit an error for their 17th straight game, tying the major league record held by the 2006 Boston Red Sox.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

They committed an error of law * * *.

Cornell University

Then my son, the runner at third, commits an error.

The New York Times

"I committed an error in judgment about what was right for me".

The New York Times

Raul Ibanez singled, Edgardo Alfonzo committed an error, and the Royals had a 4-1 advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

At bottom, petitioner's contention is that the Florida Supreme Court committed an error in interpreting state law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing errors, be specific about the type of error and its consequences. For example, instead of saying "He committed an error", specify "He committed a calculation error, leading to a budget shortfall".

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying solely on the phrase "commit an error" can make your writing sound monotonous. Use synonyms like "make a mistake", "slip up", or "blunder" to add variety and precision to your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit an error" functions as a verb phrase where "commit" is the verb and "an error" is the direct object. It describes the action of making a mistake or doing something incorrectly. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commit an error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the action of making a mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While common, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "make a mistake" or "slip up" can enhance your writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, its neutral register allows for broad application. Being specific about the error and its impact strengthens the clarity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a mistake

Focuses on the action of making an error, emphasizing the unintentional aspect.

err

A more formal and concise way to express making an error.

slip up

Suggests a minor and often unintentional error.

blunder

Implies a significant and often embarrassing error.

drop the ball

An idiomatic expression indicating a failure to fulfill a responsibility.

make a faux pas

Refers specifically to a social blunder or breach of etiquette.

miscalculate

Suggests an error in judgment or estimation.

stumble

Implies a temporary loss of control or precision.

go wrong

A general way of indicating that something has deviated from the intended course.

fall short

Indicates a failure to meet expectations or requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "commit an error" to describe actions or decisions that result in a mistake. For instance, "The accountant committed an error when preparing the financial statements" or "The programmer committed an error in the code, causing the program to crash".

What are some alternatives to saying "commit an error"?

Alternatives include "make a mistake", "err", "slip up", "blunder", or "drop the ball", depending on the specific context and the severity of the mistake.

Is it better to say "commit an error" or "make an error"?

Both "commit an error" and "make an error" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. However, "commit an error" might be perceived as slightly more formal, while "make an error" is more common in everyday language.

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

While similar, "commit an error" often implies a more formal or deliberate action that leads to the mistake, while "make a mistake" can refer to any unintentional error or oversight. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.