errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to mistakes made in something, such as an experiment or a test. For example, "The results were skewed because of the errors in the data collection process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the Labour leader said no, a lowing sound could be heard, the noise of an audience uniting in sceptical rejection of the man before them – a reminder that one of Miliband's greatest errors since 2010 was his failure to debunk the narrative that blames Labour profligacy for the country's fiscal troubles.

The Guardian

Both errors have been corrected.

The Guardian

"Apart from a few mental errors I'm playing OK," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Anthony Fisher, the archbishop of Sydney, says his predecessor would return to Australia if asked, adding that Pell has conceded errors were made in the handling of child abuse cases and has apologised previously.

The Guardian

Murphy, who died in 2011, was a victim of a "never event" – errors so called because they should never happen.

The Guardian

And so, seeing an opportunity to help tackle it, Dewey set up a Twitter bot "to quietly, politely correct misgendering errors".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unfortunately, at this stage of the litigation, the pleading standards limit Barclays' ability to rebut those factual errors – but should this litigation proceed to the next stages, Barclays will introduce evidence demonstrating how far off base these allegations are".

The Guardian - Business

The bank added: "The complaint is based on clear and substantial factual errors.

The Guardian - Business

This year's Oscar errors extend to the smallest end of the scale: in both the live action and animated short film categories, voters managed to pluck the least exciting option.

The Guardian - Film

Manchester United's defenders have committed some shocking errors this season, but the manner of the two concessions in Monday's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Arsenal must have been particularly alarming for Louis van Gaal.

The Guardian - Sport

As pointed out by Chris Sutton among others, in the wake of the incident the debate should surely be around how standards of refereeing can be improved – it was the referee, Steven McLean, who ducked the key decision, even if Muir was no help – and the potential for introducing technology that could mitigate errors.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "errors" in a technical context, be specific about the type of error and its potential impact to ensure clarity and facilitate effective troubleshooting.

Common error

Avoid using "errors" as a vague term. Instead, specify the nature of the error, such as "coding errors", "calculation errors", or "systematic errors", to provide more context and improve understanding.

Linguistic Context

Errors primarily functions as a noun, referring to mistakes or inaccuracies. Ludwig AI confirms that "errors" can denote flaws in processes, data, or systems. It is used to identify and categorize issues, as seen in the examples provided, such as "mental errors" in sports or "factual errors" in reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

15%

Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "errors" serves as a versatile noun used to denote mistakes or inaccuracies across various contexts, from news and media to sports and business. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. To enhance clarity, be specific about the nature of the errors. While "errors" is suitable for both formal and informal settings, tailoring the term to the context (e.g., using "bugs" for software errors) improves communication. Ludwig's examples show that The Guardian and other reputable news outlets frequently employ the term, affirming its consistent use in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistakes

A more general term for inaccuracies or faults.

inaccuracies

Focuses specifically on the lack of precision or correctness.

faults

Highlights flaws or defects in a system or process.

shortcomings

Emphasizes deficiencies or inadequacies.

flaws

Indicates imperfections or vulnerabilities.

blunders

Refers to clumsy or careless mistakes.

lapses

Indicates temporary failures or oversights.

oversights

Highlights unintentional omissions or failures to notice something.

defects

Focuses on inherent problems or imperfections.

transgressions

Emphasizes violations or wrongdoings.

FAQs

How can I use "errors" in a sentence?

You can use "errors" to refer to mistakes or inaccuracies in various contexts. For example, "The report contained several factual errors", or "The software is prone to coding errors".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mistakes", "inaccuracies", or "faults" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "errors" or "erroneousness"?

"Errors" is generally used to refer to specific instances of mistakes, while "erroneousness" describes the state of being incorrect or containing errors. The choice depends on whether you're referring to individual mistakes or a general quality.

What's the difference between "errors" and "bugs"?

"Errors" is a general term for mistakes. "Bugs" typically refers to errors specifically in software or code that cause it to malfunction. So, while all bugs are errors, not all errors are bugs.