error

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'error' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a mistake or a miscalculation, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "The accountant made an error in her calculations which resulted in a costly miscalculation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Apologies for the error.

The Guardian

"It looks like it will have been down to both human and mechanical error.

The Guardian

We are now consulting regarding potential legal action and hoping against hope that the 12 libraries being thrown over to the community with the threat of volunteer-or-lose-it, will survive long enough for the future council members to realise their costly error and resume running this vital social and educational service.

The Guardian - Books

Pollsters at Opinium said it appears that the two main parties are statistically tied, with variations in recent weeks being within the bounds of statistical error.

The Guardian

It was only a strange error that led to the historical obsession with GDP As someone who has worked on these issues for three decades, I have observed that, sadly, most people who criticise the idea of measuring happiness are handicapped by the fact they know little about the research literature on the topic.

The Guardian

Some of the unique pieces that I have designed have been tricky to make, so I work out how they can be made through research and a little trial and error.

The Guardian

Unless dramatic measures are taken, and fast, Labour will continue to be punished for the strategic error of neglecting its machinery in Scotland and for taking voters for granted.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was a bit trial and error but it has been surprising how fast we have grown".

The Guardian

US news channel CNN was forced to recall a tweet it sent about the Queen being in hospital, saying it was sent in error.

The Guardian

Later reports revealed that they had been transferred to Manus as the result of administrative error.

The Guardian

"The point of this was to try to quantify the coverage error," said Michael Planty, an author of the report.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal reports or data, use "error" to denote quantifiable inaccuracies. For subjective mistakes or misjudgments, consider alternatives like "mistake" or "oversight."

Common error

While "error" is technically correct in many situations, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for words like "mistake" or "slip-up" when chatting with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The word "error" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a deviation from accuracy or correctness. It can also function as a verb, particularly in computing contexts, indicating a failure to function properly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the noun form is most common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "error" is a versatile term, most commonly used as a noun to denote a mistake or inaccuracy. While grammatically correct and very common, its formality varies depending on the context. It is most frequent in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various example sentences, highlighting its role in identifying deviations from accuracy across diverse fields. When aiming for precision, especially in formal or technical writing, "error" provides a clear and suitable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistake

Replaces "error" with a more general term for an incorrect action or judgment.

inaccuracy

Focuses on the lack of precision or correctness in information or data.

fault

Implies a defect or flaw that leads to incorrectness.

oversight

Suggests a failure to notice or consider something important, leading to a mistake.

blunder

Highlights a careless or foolish mistake.

slip-up

Indicates a minor and unintentional mistake.

gaffe

Refers to a social blunder or faux pas.

lapse

Suggests a temporary failure of judgment or concentration.

defect

Emphasizes an imperfection or flaw in a product or system.

bug

Specifically refers to a flaw in software or a system.

FAQs

How can I use "error" in a sentence?

You can use "error" to refer to a mistake, such as "The calculation contained a significant "error"". It's also used in computing, as in "a 404 "error"".

What are some common synonyms for "error"?

Common synonyms for "error" include "mistake", "fault", "inaccuracy", and "blunder". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "error" and "mistake"?

"Error" often implies a deviation from a standard or correct value, especially in technical contexts. "Mistake" is a more general term for any incorrect action or judgment.

Is it correct to say "an error occurred" or "a mistake occurred"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "An "error" occurred" is often used in technical or formal contexts, while "a mistake occurred" is more common in general usage.