fix an error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fix an error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of correcting a mistake or issue in a document, code, or any other context where an error has occurred. Example: "After reviewing the report, I realized I needed to fix an error in the calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

* [this has been corrected subsequently to fix an error.

The Guardian

The problem began when Toshiba failed to fix an error in the microcode of a chip designed by NEC.

The New York Times

This article was amended on 8 January 2015 to fix an error in the standfirst in relation to the number of deaths.

The Guardian

Instead of having to poke at precisely the right point in a word or sentence to fix an error, SwipeSelection allows you to drag a single finger across the iPad's keyboard to place your cursor.

TechCrunch

Indeed, if we fix an error tolerance of 10−3, the iterative scheme defined by (41), with L = 1 and α 0 = 0, converges in 4 iterations, whereas Newton's method, starting from α 0 = 0 too, converges in 2 iterations: these results are displayed in Tables 2 and 3.

Boundary Value Problems

So if you fix an error that adds only a few points, it's probably not going to result in a meaningful benefit.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Fixing an error on a rap sheet is a major headache.

The New York Times

Once the ad had been approved, McCarthy, claiming that he was fixing an error, replaced it with a version containing Horton's photograph.

The New Yorker

System design folklore suggests that the cost of fixing an error increases by an order of magnitude for each design cycle entered prior to discovery of the error.

System Level Design with Rosetta

After a few more twists and turns, he stops at an assemblyman's office to say he fixed an error in a bill that would expand healthcare coverage for pregnant women.

Los Angeles Times

| Update | The section from the asterisk down is adjusted to fix an editing error on my part.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting procedures, clearly state the steps needed to "fix an error" so users can easily follow them.

Common error

Avoid simply "fix an error" without investigating its origin. Understanding why the error occurred prevents recurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fix an error" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It describes the action of correcting or resolving a mistake. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in written English. Many examples show its utilization in scenarios needing amendments or corrections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

25%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fix an error" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of correcting a mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely applicable across various writing contexts. Its frequency is marked as Common, with significant usage in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific domains. When aiming for alternatives, consider options like "correct a mistake" or "resolve an issue", depending on the desired tone and context. Remember to investigate the root cause of the error to prevent future occurrences. From a linguistic point of view, the register is neutral, making it appropriate for diverse communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correct a mistake

Replaces "fix" with "correct" and "error" with "mistake", maintaining the same meaning.

rectify a fault

Uses "rectify" instead of "fix" and "fault" instead of "error", implying a more formal tone.

resolve an issue

Substitutes "fix" with "resolve" and "error" with "issue", suggesting a broader problem.

amend an inaccuracy

Replaces "fix" with "amend" and "error" with "inaccuracy", indicating a correction of something not entirely correct.

repair a defect

Uses "repair" instead of "fix" and "defect" instead of "error", often used in technical contexts.

debug a problem

Replaces "fix" with "debug" and "error" with "problem", common in software development.

remedy a situation

Substitutes "fix" with "remedy" and "error" with "situation", implying a broader context needing correction.

iron out a wrinkle

Replaces "fix" with "iron out" and "error" with "wrinkle", suggesting a minor problem that needs smoothing.

straighten out a problem

Uses "straighten out" instead of "fix" and keeps the word "problem" rather than "error"

ameliorate a flaw

Replaces "fix" with "ameliorate" and "error" with "flaw", suggesting a high degree of correction.

FAQs

How can I use "fix an error" in a sentence?

You can use "fix an error" in sentences like, "The software update aims to "fix an error" that caused data loss" or "It's crucial to "fix an error" in the financial report before submitting it".

What are some alternatives to "fix an error"?

Some alternatives to "fix an error" include "correct a mistake", "resolve an issue", or "rectify a fault".

Which is correct, "fix an error" or "correct an error"?

Both "fix an error" and "correct an error" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "fix an error" and "repair a defect"?

"Fix an error" is a general term applicable to various contexts, while "repair a defect" is often used in more technical or mechanical contexts. For example, you might "fix an error" in a document but "repair a defect" in a machine.