errant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "errant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective which is used to describe someone who behaves recklessly or who is irresponsible. For example, "The errant driver caused a multi-car accident on the freeway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be used to keep errant light out of my eyes".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If the late withdrawals of vice-captain Tom Rockliff (virus) and clever forward Dayne Zorko (personal reasons) were not enough bad omens for Brisbane, it became crystal clear it wasn't going to be their night when the ball struck Darcy Gardiner flush in the temple in the second minute following an errant kick from team-mate Pearce Hanley.

The Guardian - Sport

His eyes twinkle naughtily; although he recently turned 48, he has the incorrigible look of an errant schoolboy.

The Guardian - Film

After two inexplicably successful solo albums, it's unlikely he's scrabbling around behind the sofa cushions for errant shrapnel.

The Guardian - Music

There are stories of death squads chasing errant glassmakers to Holland".

The Guardian - Money

A bill that will allow local parties to get rid of errant MPs under a new system of "recall" will be included in the Queen's speech.

The Guardian

Boston had charmed and made the New England link between founding father and errant, flute-playing son.

The Guardian - Music

His party has no members of parliament, a situation unlikely to change at the next election, and offers promiscuous and profligate policies that add up to errant nonsense as a platform for government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some would accuse Ferguson of being too indulgent with his errant star, but in many ways I admire his stance and loyalty to his players.

The Guardian - Sport

With corporate malfeasance likely to be the biggest issue in this autumn's mid-term Congressional elections, both Democrats and Republicans are now speaking out in support of harsh action against errant executives and companies.

The Economist

In "Choice and Consequence: Perspectives of an errant economist".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "errant" to describe something or someone that deviates from a standard or expected behavior, often implying a mistake or fault. For example, an "errant" shot in golf or an "errant" employee making repeated errors.

Common error

Avoid confusing "errant" with "arrant". "Errant" means straying or mistaken, while "arrant" means complete or utter. For example, say "errant behavior" instead of "arrant behavior" when referring to someone's mistake.

Linguistic Context

The word "errant" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a deviation from an expected or correct course. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing everything from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "errant" signifies a deviation from a proper course or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Examples show that "errant" is frequently used in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts. It's important to differentiate "errant" from "arrant", which means complete or utter. Use "errant" to precisely convey the sense of straying or being mistaken, drawing from a rich history of usage in diverse, authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straying

Focuses on the act of deviating or wandering from the correct path or standard.

wayward

Highlights stubbornness or resistance to guidance, suggesting a willful deviation.

astray

Similar to straying, but often used to describe being lost or misled from a proper course.

deviant

Emphasizes a departure from accepted norms, often with negative connotations.

rogue

Implies independent and often reckless or dangerous behavior.

delinquent

Specifically describes a failure to fulfill a duty or obligation.

negligent

Highlights the absence of due care or attention.

transgressing

Emphasizes the violation of a law, command, or moral code.

recalcitrant

Focuses on defiance or resistance to authority or discipline.

unruly

Describes a lack of control or discipline, often applied to groups or behaviors.

FAQs

How to use "errant" in a sentence?

You can use "errant" to describe something that deviates from the proper course or standard. For example, "The "errant ball" sailed over the fence" or "The company disciplined the "errant employee" for repeated tardiness".

What can I say instead of "errant"?

You can use alternatives like "straying", "wayward", or "deviant" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "errant" and "arrant"?

"Errant" means straying or mistaken, while "arrant" means complete or utter. Don't confuse "errant behavior" (mistaken) with "arrant nonsense" (complete nonsense).

Is it correct to use "errant" to describe a person?

Yes, it is correct to use "errant" to describe a person who behaves recklessly or deviates from expected behavior. For example, "The "errant youth" was known for causing trouble".