common error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to mistakes that many people make in a particular context, such as writing or speaking. Example: "One common error in English writing is the misuse of apostrophes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A common error.

The New York Times

A very common error.

The New York Times

A surprisingly common error.

The New York Times

Admittedly, it's a common error.

The Guardian

The failure to do this is a common error.

The New York Times - Books

A common error is to focus on only one.

The New York Times

Avoid the common error of partially defrosting your turkey.

Independent

It's a common error to forget to raise the tone at the end.

The Guardian

The most common error at this stage is tearing a hole in the dura.

The New Yorker

It is an all too common error to confuse intelligent design with religious belief.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, while shouldering his historical duties, Teachout does not commit the common error of historicists, the throwing up of hands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "common error" when you are referring to the type of issue and not one specific issue

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "common error" applies to all contexts. Clearly define the specific situations or fields where the error typically occurs to prevent misapplication of the guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common error" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in identifying and describing frequently occurring mistakes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

29%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common error" is a widely used and readily understood term that identifies frequently occurring mistakes across diverse fields. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts. Its prevalence in sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific journals underscores its broad applicability. When using this phrase, clarity is paramount; providing specific examples and solutions helps readers effectively understand and avoid the identified "common error".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequent mistake

Replaces "error" with "mistake", indicating a slight shift in emphasis towards unintentionality.

typical mistake

Emphasizes the regularity and expected nature of the error.

widespread mistake

Focuses on the broad occurrence of the error across a population.

prevailing error

Highlights the dominance and pervasiveness of the error.

recurrent error

Stresses the repetitive nature of the error's occurrence.

general mistake

Indicates an error that is common to many situations or individuals.

regular error

Suggests that the error happens predictably and consistently.

routine error

Implies that the error has become a standard or expected occurrence.

classic mistake

Points out that the error is well-known and has been made for a long time.

habitual mistake

Highlights that the error is committed out of habit, often unconsciously.

FAQs

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

You can use "common error" to describe a mistake that many people make. For example: "One "common error" in English writing is the misuse of apostrophes."

What can I say instead of "common error"?

You can use alternatives like "frequent mistake", "typical blunder", or "widespread mistake" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "common mistake" or "common error"?

Both ""common error"" and "common mistake" are acceptable. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Error" often implies a deviation from a standard, while "mistake" suggests an unintentional action.

What are some examples of common writing errors?

Examples of common writing errors include incorrect subject-verb agreement, misuse of homophones (like "there", "their", and "they're"), and improper use of commas.