human error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "human error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to mistakes made by people, often in contexts related to technology, safety, or decision-making. Example: "The system failure was attributed to human error, highlighting the need for better training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Very simply, human error".

The New York Times - Tech

"It was human error".

The New York Times - Arts

"This was human error.

The Guardian - Money

Was it human error?

The New York Times - Science

"That's human error," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a human error.

Independent

Human error, the BBC said.

Independent

Or just a "human" error?

The New York Times

"Human error," he replied.

The New York Times

Or there's a human error.

The Washington Post

Human error plays a part.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "human error" when you want to specifically emphasize the role of humans in causing a mistake, rather than attributing it to system malfunction or other external factors.

Common error

Avoid attributing incidents solely to "human error" without investigating underlying factors like inadequate training, poor system design, or unrealistic workloads, which can contribute to mistakes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "human error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to identify the cause of a problem or event as being attributable to a mistake made by a person, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "human error" is a frequently used noun phrase that explains a mistake caused by a person. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears most commonly in news and media, academia, and wiki contexts. To avoid oversimplification, consider the root causes behind such errors. Alternatives include "mistake made by a person" or "error caused by a human". While using this phrase, remember that it is useful in different contexts, and can be replaced by different alternatives based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistake made by a person

Focuses on the individual aspect of the error.

error caused by a human

Emphasizes the origin of the error being a person.

unintentional mistake

Highlights the lack of intent behind the error.

inadvertent error

Stresses the unintentional and careless nature of the mistake.

negligent mistake

Indicates a lack of due care leading to the error.

clerical error

Specifically refers to mistakes made in office or administrative tasks.

oversight

Emphasizes the error as a result of failing to notice something.

slip-up

Suggests a small and unintentional mistake.

faux pas

Highlights a social blunder or error in etiquette.

blunder

Implies a careless or stupid mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "human error" in a sentence?

You can use "human error" to explain the cause of an accident, failure, or mistake. For example: "The investigation revealed that the accident was caused by "human error"." or "The system's vulnerability to "human error" was a major concern."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "human error"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mistake made by a person", "error caused by a human", or "unintentional mistake" to convey a similar meaning. Consider the specific nuance you want to express when choosing an alternative.

Is it appropriate to use "human error" in formal writing?

Yes, "human error" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when reporting on incidents, conducting analyses, or discussing risk management. However, ensure the context is clear and that you're not oversimplifying complex issues.

How can the impact of "human error" be minimized?

Strategies to minimize "human error" include improving training, designing user-friendly systems, implementing safety protocols, and fostering a culture of open communication where errors can be reported and learned from.