error message

USAGE SUMMARY

"error message" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it when referring to an alert or notification that a computer or other electronic device displays when it encounters an issue. For example, "I tried to download the file, but I got an error message saying it was corrupted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An error message flashes up.

Independent

An arcane error message appeared.

The New York Times - Travel

Video throws an error message.

University of California, Berkeley

Updates to error message formats.

Harvard University

You got this generic error message.

The New York Times

The screen displayed an error message.

The New York Times - Tech

display an error message to the user.

Stanford University

How to interpret an error message.

Princeton University

Did you receive an error message?

Yale University

No error message with invalid match value.

Harvard University

It now prints an error message.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting a software issue, always include the exact "error message" for accurate debugging.

Common error

Instead of saying "I got an error", specify the exact "error message" to provide necessary context for troubleshooting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "error message" functions primarily as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific type of notification generated by a computer system or application. As Ludwig confirms, this is a correct and usable term in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

34%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

20%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "error message" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe a notification indicating a problem within a computer system or application. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable term. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including Academia, News & Media, and technical documentation. While alternatives like "fault notification" or "system alert" exist, "error message" remains the most widely recognized and understood term. When encountering an "error message", providing the exact wording can significantly aid in troubleshooting efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

system failure message

Specifies the type of message as related to system failure.

fault notification

Replaces "error" with "fault", suggesting a malfunction or defect.

application error alert

Narrows the error context to a specific application.

system alert

Focuses on the system's notification, rather than the error itself.

failure notice

Emphasizes the unsuccessful outcome of a process.

issue notification

Substitutes "error" with "issue", which is a broader term for a problem.

warning notification

Indicates a potential problem that might occur.

software bug report

Identifies the error as a software defect, suitable for technical contexts.

diagnostic report

Implies a more detailed explanation of the issue.

problem report

General term for reporting issues or malfunctions.

FAQs

How to use "error message" in a sentence?

You can use "error message" in a sentence like, "The program displayed an "error message" indicating a missing file."

What can I say instead of "error message"?

You can use alternatives like "fault notification", "system alert", or "failure notice" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "error message" or "mistake message"?

"Error message" is the standard and widely accepted term. "Mistake message" is less common and might not be immediately understood in technical contexts.

What's the difference between "error message" and "warning message"?

An "error message" indicates a problem that has already occurred and prevents the program from functioning correctly. A "warning message" indicates a potential problem that might occur if you proceed.