contained a spelling error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contained a spelling error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a text or document that has a mistake in the spelling of a word. Example: "The report I received contained a spelling error that needed to be corrected before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every third CV contains a spelling error, according to a 2015 study by Adzuna.

The Guardian

For example, if the interaction field contains a spelling error or the notation does not match any official term, the field turns red, indicating 'STOP' and includes an error message.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

The word processor idiotically flags any phrase containing a dash -- like this -- as a spelling error, and it will do a word count only for a whole document, not for just a section of it.

The New York Times - Tech

Could it be a spelling error?

The New York Times

No, that is not a spelling error.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This article was amended on 1 May to correct a spelling error.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In an American magazine I once, through a spelling error, became winner of a Whitebread.

The Guardian - Books

The headline of this article was amended to correct a spelling error.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This article was amended on 12 August ,2013, to correct a spelling error.

The Guardian - Opinion

This article was amended on 31 December 2015 to correct a spelling error in the headline.

The Guardian

This article was amended on 12 November 2015 to fix a spelling error.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When proofreading, focus on individual words rather than entire sentences to better identify potential spelling errors. This technique can help isolate mistakes that might be overlooked when reading for context.

Common error

Avoid using "comprised" or "composed of" when you mean "contained". "Comprised" means 'to consist of', while "contained" simply means 'to include'. Saying 'the document comprised a spelling error' is grammatically incorrect; instead, use "contained a spelling error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contained a spelling error" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that a particular document or text includes a mistake in spelling. It is used to describe a specific characteristic of the text in question, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contained a spelling error" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe the presence of a spelling mistake in a text. As Ludwig highlights, it's typically used in neutral to professional contexts, such as news, scientific articles, and formal documents. While various alternatives exist, such as "included a spelling mistake" or "had a misspelling", the choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. Remember to focus on individual words during proofreading and avoid confusing "contained" with words like "comprised" to ensure accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

included a spelling mistake

Replaces "contained" with "included", slightly altering the verb but keeping the meaning intact.

featured a typographical error

Substitutes "spelling error" with "typographical error", broadening the scope to include any typing mistake.

had a misspelling

Uses the noun form "misspelling" instead of the phrase "spelling error", offering a more concise expression.

exhibited a spelling mistake

Replaces "contained" with "exhibited", giving a more formal tone to the sentence.

presented a spelling error

Changes "contained" to "presented", focusing on the appearance of the error.

displayed a spelling error

Similar to 'presented a spelling error', but emphasizes the visibility of the mistake.

suffered from a spelling error

Implies that the document's quality was diminished due to the spelling error.

incorporated a spelling mistake

Replaces "contained" with "incorporated", suggesting that the error was unintentionally included.

showed a spelling error

Similar to "displayed a spelling error", indicating that the error was visible.

harbored a spelling mistake

This phrase provides a stronger, more negative connotation by suggesting the presence of something unwanted.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "contained a spelling error"?

You can use alternatives like "included a spelling mistake", "featured a typographical error", or "had a misspelling" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "contained a spelling error" or "had a spelling error"?

Both "contained a spelling error" and "had a spelling error" are grammatically correct. "Contained a spelling error" is slightly more formal, while "had a spelling error" is more common in everyday conversation. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between a "spelling error" and a "typographical error"?

A "spelling error" is specifically a mistake in the spelling of a word. A "typographical error", or typo, is a broader term that includes any kind of mistake made during typing, such as transposed letters, incorrect punctuation, or other keyboarding mistakes. So, all spelling errors are typographical errors, but not all typographical errors are spelling errors.

How to avoid having a document that "contained a spelling error"?

To prevent a document that "contained a spelling error", proofread carefully, use spell-check tools, and consider asking someone else to review your writing. Paying attention to detail and utilizing available resources can greatly reduce the likelihood of errors.