erring

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'erring' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb which means to make mistakes or do something wrong. For example, "He had erred in his calculations and the resulting outcome was disastrous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The problem for policymakers is that ex ante it is difficult to know where the inflection point is, and that strengthens the case for erring on the side of caution.

The Guardian - Business

A serious emerging market crisis or euro-zone crisis relapse is not going to make it easier for the Fed to achieve its mandates.But one doesn't have to turn to such arguments to make the case that the Fed is erring seriously on the hawkish side of things.

The Economist

But perhaps not by the standards of the Russian service, whose editors at least in the view of many hawkish British-based listeners have lately been erring on the side of caution.

The Economist

Having been too lax in granting mortgages before 2008, banks are now erring on the side of caution.

The Economist

As attorney-general she championed the use of data and technology to track repeat offenders and figure out how to stop them from erring again.She has also commissioned reports on little-studied areas such as school truancy, which she believes eventually lands a lot of young people in jail.

The Economist

For now Washington is erring on the high side, although prices will surely drop as the market settles.

The Economist

It also suggested that innumeracy is even more widespread.Recent research suggests that, if anything, the Moser report was erring on the conservative side.

The Economist

Once it was clear that he felt no such shame, we settled for impeachment as the constitutionally acceptable way for Congress to investigate, and if necessary remove, an erring chief executive.

The Economist

Given the choice, erring on the side of inflation would be less catastrophic than erring on the side of deflation.That said, there is a legitimate concern that when the time comes to raise interest rates, the Fed may hold back because of political pressure or fear of fracturing financial markets.

The Economist

But with politicians determined to tighten fiscal policy too fast, the central bankers need to stay loose for longer.America's inflation also argues for erring on the side of looseness.

The Economist

And as Colonel Muammar Qaddafi closes in on the pro-democracy rebels, Barack Obama, as is his wont, is erring on the side of caution; carefully considering, as he has for weeks, what, if anything, he ought to do.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "erring" to describe a deviation from an expected or correct path, often in contexts where moral or ethical implications are present.

Common error

Avoid using "erroring" as a substitute for "erring". While both relate to mistakes, "erring" implies a more deliberate or moral deviation, whereas "erroring" is more commonly used in technical contexts to describe a system malfunctioning.

Linguistic Context

The word "erring" functions primarily as a verb, specifically a present participle or gerund, indicating an ongoing action of making a mistake or deviating from a correct path. It can also act as an adjective modifying a noun, as in "erring members". Ludwig AI confirms that this term is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "erring" is a grammatically sound verb form signifying the act of making mistakes or deviating from a correct path. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for use in written English, particularly in neutral to formal contexts. It frequently appears in news articles and encyclopedic entries, indicating its relevance in describing deviations from norms and expectations. When writing, remember that "erring" often carries a connotation of moral or ethical missteps, distinguishing it from the more technical term "erroring". Alternatives such as "making a mistake", "going astray", and "deviating" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making a mistake

Focuses on the act of committing an error.

going astray

Emphasizes deviating from the correct path or behavior.

deviating

Highlights the act of departing from an established course or standard.

straying

Implies wandering from the right path, often unintentionally.

transgressing

Suggests violating a law or moral code.

doing wrong

A general term for acting immorally or incorrectly.

misbehaving

Focuses on improper or unacceptable conduct.

offending

Highlights causing displeasure or hurt through one's actions.

slipping up

Indicates making a minor or unintentional error.

falling short

Emphasizes failing to meet expectations or standards.

FAQs

How can I use "erring" in a sentence?

You can use "erring" to describe someone who is making a mistake or straying from the correct path. For example, "The bishop threatened to excommunicate "erring politicians"."

What's a good alternative to the word "erring"?

Alternatives to "erring" include "making a mistake", "going astray", or "deviating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "erring" the same as "erroring"?

"Erring" and "erroring" are related but have different typical usages. "Erring" implies a moral or ethical deviation, while "erroring" often refers to a system malfunctioning. Prefer using "erring" to describe the behaviour of someone who is "making a mistake".

What does it mean to be "erring on the side of caution"?

To be "erring on the side of caution" means to choose a course of action that is more careful and risk-averse, even if it might not be the most efficient or optimal approach. It implies preferring to avoid potential negative consequences.