i was in error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was in error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a mistake or misunderstanding in a formal or polite manner. Example: "After reviewing the facts, I realize that I was in error regarding the details of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When I realized I was in error, not her, I did not apologize.

The New York Times - Style

A call to Ms. Clinton's press office brought a ferocious response from a senior staff member that I was in error, a grave one, and that the woman I had seen was actually the niece of the owner of the bar, who looked just like Ms. Clinton.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, if I judge that the cherry would look gray in bright light, I'm in error.

SEP

This "evil genius" (or deceiving "God, or whatever I may call him," AT 7 24) has given me flawed cognitive faculties, such that I am in error even about epistemically impressive matters — even the simple matters that seem supremely evident.

SEP

"If I am in error," Winslow writes, "to the person hiding behind Pearson I would say, To be taken for Pynchon is no small compliment but an enormous one, and your mimetic abilities in emulation of his sensibility are admirable.

Vice

(And I should know, as I was, in a quite spectacular error of judgement, going out with one).

Vice

where during_error is the period when flow i is in channel error.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"I was falsely accused, and I think the jury was in error," Mr. Paternoster said in a telephone interview last week.

The New York Times

Under the guise of applying Buckley, the court proceeds to weaken the already enfeebled constitutional protection that Buckley afforded campaign contributions.... Our decision in Buckley was in error, and I would overrule it.

The New York Times

For this reason I can be in error about what I ought to do.

SEP

"I'm sure I have committed errors in the Ibra case, but I'm in charge here," Guardiola said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was in error" in formal writing or when you want to convey a sense of seriousness about acknowledging a mistake. It's more appropriate than saying "I was wrong" in professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "I was in error" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "I was wrong" or "I made a mistake" are often more suitable and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was in error" serves as a formal declarative statement. It expresses a personal admission of having made a mistake or having been incorrect about something. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in news and academic contexts, highlighting its role in conveying accountability and acknowledging inaccuracies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was in error" is a formal way to admit a mistake, suitable for professional and serious contexts. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and serves to convey accountability. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a degree of formality is warranted, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "I was mistaken" or "I was wrong" may be more appropriate in informal conversations. The primary contexts include News & Media and Science, reflecting its usage in authoritative sources to acknowledge inaccuracies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was mistaken

Replaces "in error" with the simpler word "mistaken".

I erred

Uses a more concise and formal verb to express having made an error.

I was wrong

Offers a direct and straightforward admission of being incorrect.

I was incorrect

Substitutes "in error" with the slightly more formal "incorrect".

I made a mistake

Expresses the error as an action taken by the speaker.

I was at fault

Indicates responsibility for the error or problem.

I miscalculated

Focuses on a specific type of error involving calculation or judgment.

My assessment was wrong

Specifies that the error was in the speaker's judgment or evaluation.

I had it wrong

An idiomatic expression indicating that the speaker's understanding was incorrect.

I goofed

An informal way of saying that one made a mistake, suitable for casual conversation.

FAQs

What is a more casual way to say "I was in error"?

In less formal situations, you can use phrases like "I was wrong", "I made a mistake", or even the more colloquial "I goofed" depending on the context.

Is "I was in error" the same as "I am in error"?

While both phrases acknowledge a mistake, "I was in error" refers to a past error, whereas "I am in error" suggests a current or ongoing mistake. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the timing of your error.

What does it mean to be "in error"?

To be "in error" means to be mistaken or incorrect about something. It's a formal way of admitting that your understanding or judgment was wrong.

What are some alternatives to /s/i+was+mistaken that still sound professional?

Alternatives such as "I was incorrect", "my assessment was wrong", or "I miscalculated" can maintain a professional tone while acknowledging a mistake. The choice depends on the specific context of the error.