error of fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "error of fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a mistake or misunderstanding regarding factual information is being discussed, often in legal or academic settings. Example: "The court found that there was an error of fact in the previous ruling, which led to an unjust decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

(Kristof) This is an error of fact.

The New York Times

"Witnesses are allowed to make a submission as to an error of fact.

The Guardian

"Most of our mistakes are typos, but occasionally there'll be an error of fact.

The New Yorker

No responsibility can be accepted for error of fact or opinion.

The Times

We made an error of fact in the editorial and we've corrected it.

The Washington Post

One error of fact in the song was that Mrs. Carroll had 10 children; she had 11.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We make errors of fact and errors of judgment.

The New York Times - Magazine

The book is marred by errors of fact.

The New York Times - Books

Then there are the endless liberal errors of fact.

The New York Times

Errors of fact or logic are spotted, ridiculed and corrected.

The Economist

"The Treasury claims are invalidated, not by errors of fact, but by errors of logic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "error of fact" in legal or academic writing, ensure you clearly identify the specific fact that is incorrect and provide evidence to support your claim.

Common error

An "error of fact" concerns incorrect information, while an error of judgment involves a poor decision based on available information. Don't use "error of fact" when you mean to critique someone's reasoning or decision-making process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "error of fact" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify a specific instance where information presented as factual is incorrect. As Ludwig shows, it often appears in legal and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "error of fact" is a noun phrase used to denote a factual inaccuracy, commonly found in formal contexts such as news reports, legal documents, and academic writings. As affirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in situations where precise communication is essential. When using this phrase, ensure that you're referring to a factual mistake rather than an error in judgment. Alternatives such as "factual inaccuracy" or "mistake of fact" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While relatively common, pay attention to the specific context to ensure precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factual inaccuracy

Focuses on the incorrectness of the fact itself, rather than the act of making an error.

mistake of fact

Highlights the act of making a mistake regarding a factual matter.

factual error

A more concise way of stating that a fact is incorrect.

erroneous information

Emphasizes that the information presented is incorrect.

false statement

Broader term referring to any untrue statement, not necessarily unintentional.

untruth

A general term for something that is not true.

factual misrepresentation

Implies a distortion or misstatement of facts.

inaccurate detail

Focuses on a specific detail being incorrect.

misinformation

Often implies unintentional spreading of false information.

fabrication

Suggests that the information is completely made up and not based on any fact.

FAQs

How to use "error of fact" in a sentence?

You can use "error of fact" to indicate that a statement or piece of information is factually incorrect. For instance, "The judge overturned the ruling due to an "error of fact" presented during the trial".

What's the difference between "error of fact" and "error of law"?

An "error of fact" involves a mistake about the factual details of a case, while an "error of law" involves a mistake in the application or interpretation of the law.

What can I say instead of "error of fact"?

You can use alternatives such as "factual inaccuracy", "mistake of fact", or "factual error" depending on the context.

Is "error of fact" the same as "misrepresentation of fact"?

While both relate to incorrect facts, "error of fact" generally implies an unintentional mistake, whereas "misrepresentation of fact" often suggests a deliberate distortion or false statement.