it was erroneous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was erroneous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was incorrect or mistaken in a past context. Example: "The report contained several inaccuracies, and it was erroneous to assume that the data was reliable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Turkey's animus towards the PKK runs deep, as exhibited earlier this month when Erdogan equated the Kurdish rebel group with ISIL, saying that "it was erroneous to consider and regard them separately".

Huffington Post

But less than four hours after its publication, Garcia, an American lawyer, issued a statement claiming it was "erroneous".

BBC

"A lot of my report was word for word from the Garcia report". But less than four hours after its publication, Garcia, an American lawyer, issued a statement claiming it was "erroneous".

BBC

Mr. Cohen's lawyer, Mr. Davis, later said he had provided information for that report and that it was erroneous.

The New York Times

The subject of his testimony was a matter, not of fact, but of law, and as a statement of law it was erroneous.

Cornell University

"When I first heard of this matter, I genuinely believed that it was erroneous, that it was an accusation that would prove to be false," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is erroneous, he added, "to say there were mistakes".

The New York Times

"It is erroneous to think that the point is only in one small Astrakhan," he wrote.

The New York Times

Seen from this perspective, it is erroneous to ascribe a mission to an organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the ecological point of view, it is erroneous to assume that chopping down trees is inherently bad.

The New York Times

Yet it is erroneous to think that memories simply fade over time the steps involved are far more complex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “it was erroneous” when you want to emphasize that something was not just incorrect, but based on a flawed premise or understanding.

Common error

While grammatically correct, “it was erroneous” can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like “it was wrong” or “it was a mistake” in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was erroneous" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that something was incorrect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression. Examples show its use in correcting assumptions or disputing claims.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was erroneous" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something was incorrect, often due to flawed reasoning or misunderstanding. While versatile, it carries a slightly formal tone, making it more suitable for news, academic, or professional contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is valid, with its usage spanning across diverse sources like The New York Times, BBC and scientific journals. For less formal settings, alternatives such as "it was incorrect" or "it was a mistake" might be more appropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, "it was erroneous" is a correct and usable expression in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was incorrect

This is a direct synonym, replacing 'erroneous' with a more common term.

it was mistaken

This alternative focuses on the idea of making a mistake.

it was a mistake

This simplifies the phrase, emphasizing the idea of an error.

it was an error

Similar to 'it was a mistake' but uses the term 'error'.

it was inaccurate

This highlights that the information was not precise or correct.

it was false

This indicates that the information presented was not true.

it was invalid

This suggests that something didn't hold up to scrutiny or wasn't sound.

it was unfounded

This implies the lack of a solid basis or evidence.

it was flawed

This alternative describes that something was damaged or imperfect.

it was fallacious

This indicates the use of deceptive or misleading arguments.

FAQs

How can I use "it was erroneous" in a sentence?

You can use "it was erroneous" to indicate that a statement, belief, or calculation was incorrect. For example, "It was erroneous to assume that the project would be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was erroneous"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was incorrect", "it was mistaken", or "it was inaccurate" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was erroneous" formal or informal?

"It was erroneous" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "it was wrong" or "it was a mistake" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it was erroneous" and "it was incorrect"?

While both phrases indicate something is wrong, "it was erroneous" often suggests a deeper flaw in reasoning or a fundamental misunderstanding, whereas "it was incorrect" is a more general statement of inaccuracy.