err in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "err in" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to make a mistake or error in something. Some examples of when it can be used are: 1. "I must have erred in my calculations because the final answer is incorrect." 2. "We can't afford to err in our judgment on this decision." 3. "The politician's statement was full of errors and he erred in several key facts." 4. "It's important to double check your work so you don't err in your reports." 5. "The company can't afford to err in its marketing strategy, so they are conducting thorough market research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can err in either direction.

The New York Times - Magazine

You only err in the boss's favor.

The New York Times

As a result, I err in the other direction.

The New York Times

We cannot afford to err in any detail".

The New Yorker

Your colleague did err in neglecting to get the student's consent before submitting the story.

The New York Times - Magazine

When it comes to voters' rights, the court appears eager to err in the opposite direction.

The New York Times

Plaintiffs assert that the district court did not err in placing the burden on Napster.

The New York Times

And that's just where they err in the festival staging here.

The New York Times

The transit experiment demonstrates that we tend to err in estimating our regret over missed opportunities.

The New York Times - Magazine

If Suzuki tends to play it too cool, Gardiner can err in the opposite direction.

The New Yorker

"For the most part I'd probably err in thinking what he has done," Manuel said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "err in", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or aspect where the mistake is being made. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "err in" without specifying what exactly one is erring in. Without clear context, the phrase becomes vague and less impactful. For instance, instead of saying "They erred", specify "They erred in their judgment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "err in" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of making a mistake or being incorrect within a specified context. Ludwig AI provides several examples showing its use in diverse sentences across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "err in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the act of making a mistake or being incorrect within a specific context. Analysis of Ludwig AI examples reveals that the phrase is commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While acceptable in everyday conversation, its formal register makes it particularly suitable for professional and academic writing. Remember to provide clear context regarding where the mistake is being made to enhance clarity. Related alternatives include "make a mistake in" or "be mistaken in", offering nuanced options depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a mistake in

Emphasizes the action of making an error in a particular context.

be mistaken in

Focuses on the state of being incorrect in one's judgment or understanding.

go wrong in

Suggests a deviation from a correct path or procedure.

be incorrect in

Directly states the condition of not being right in some aspect.

fall short in

Implies a failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

miscalculate in

Specifically relates to making a wrong calculation or assessment.

blunder in

Suggests a clumsy or foolish mistake.

slip up in

Refers to a small and often unintentional mistake.

stumble in

Indicates a hesitant or uncertain mistake.

be deficient in

Implies a lack of necessary quality or component.

FAQs

How can I use "err in" in a sentence?

You can use "err in" to indicate making a mistake in a specific area, for example: "The analyst may "err in" their calculations", or "It's better to "err on the side of" caution".

What's a formal alternative to "err in"?

Formal alternatives include "be mistaken in", "be incorrect in", or "make an error in". These options offer a more sophisticated tone for academic or professional writing.

Is it better to say "err in" or "make a mistake in"?

Both are correct, but "err in" is slightly more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Which is correct: "err in judgment" or "err in the judgment"?

"Err in judgment" is generally preferred, as it refers to judgment in a general sense. "Err in the judgment" could be used if referring to a specific, previously mentioned judgment.