in error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in error" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a mistake or incorrect action. For example, "I apologize for the incorrect spelling of your name—it must have been entered in error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Negroni in error.

The New York Times - Food

It was sent in error".

Independent

Your mother was in error".

The New York Times - Books

That report was in error.

The New York Times

In error he sent it to Mahmood.

Independent

"Our previous statements were in error".

The New York Times

This was published in error".

The Guardian - Business

You may be in error".

The New York Times - Food

You might be in error".

The New Yorker

We Accepted You in Error.

The New York Times

Maybe it came in error.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in error" to formally acknowledge that something was done incorrectly or mistakenly, especially in official communications or documentation.

Common error

Avoid using "in error" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "by mistake" or "accidentally" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in error" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action was performed or something occurred mistakenly. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in error" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies something done mistakenly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal contexts such as news reports, academic writing, and business communications. While alternatives like "by mistake" or "accidentally" exist, "in error" provides a more formal tone. It's important to reserve this phrase for situations where a formal acknowledgment of a mistake is required, avoiding its overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by mistake

Replaces the phrase with a shorter, more direct expression of unintentional action.

erroneously

Uses a single adverb to convey the meaning of "in error".

incorrectly

Focuses on the state of being wrong or inaccurate.

by accident

Highlights the unintentional nature of the action or event.

unintentionally

Emphasizes the lack of intent behind the action.

inadvertently

A more formal synonym for unintentionally.

through an oversight

Points to the cause of the error being a failure to notice something.

due to an error

Explicitly states that an error caused the event.

under a misapprehension

Suggests that the action was based on a misunderstanding.

by a slip of the pen

Specifically refers to a writing mistake.

FAQs

How to use "in error" in a sentence?

You can use "in error" to indicate that something was done mistakenly. For example, "The payment was processed "by mistake"" or "The email was sent "inadvertently"".

What can I say instead of "in error"?

Alternatives to "in error" include "by mistake", "erroneously", or "accidentally". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "in error" or "by error"?

"In error" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "By error" is less frequent and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "in error" and "by accident"?

"In error" is generally used in more formal contexts to acknowledge a mistake, while "by accident" is more informal and emphasizes the unintentional nature of the action.