just by error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just by error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happened accidentally or unintentionally. Example: "I received the wrong package just by error, and I need to return it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The concern has long been that you're going to get mistakes where something gets taken down inadvertently or just by error, because so much of this is automated, and that this is has a chilling effect," Geist says.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two different applications of Data Reconciliation have been carried out: first the entire test rig was studied, generating a set of measurements affected just by random error; second, only the recuperator was taken into account using real measurements coming from a steady state test performed on the plant.

Applied Energy

Not just work "vitiated by errors," but a decision-making process patently unfair to businesses, was the court's reading of Monti's department.

Forbes

"It's not explainable by just driver error or inattention.

The New York Times

In order to compare the classifiers by using just one error number instead of 17, we compute a weighted average for each classifier's time response.

BioMed Research International

As such, they might be unleashed not just by terrorists, but by simple error.

The Economist

And, I admit that it is possible that you will develop the mental side of your sport just by chance or trial and error.

Huffington Post

That is, just by taking away domain-specific measurement error in the PIAAC test, the estimate of skill returns increases by 10% in the IV model, suggesting that downward bias from measurement error may indeed be an important issue in the analysis of returns to skills.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

So far, the bootstrapped startup's user base is just a rounding error by modern social media standards, standing at around 1,600 users since the launch of its public beta.

Huffington Post

These results suggest that that enhanced attentional activity positively influences the accuracy of a subsequent behavioral choice; thus the likelihood of making a further erroneous response is reduced by having just committed an error.

Plosone

Q: So it was just an error.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just by error", ensure the context clearly indicates that the error was unintentional and without malice. It's best suited for situations where you want to downplay blame or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "just by error" in highly formal or professional settings where more precise language is expected. Phrases like "due to a clerical error" or "because of an oversight" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just by error" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action occurred. It specifies that something happened accidentally or unintentionally. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just by error" is a grammatically sound way to indicate that something occurred unintentionally or accidentally. As Ludwig confirms, it is considered correct, though it's important to consider the context. While acceptable in various settings, including news and scientific writing, more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "due to an oversight" or "inadvertently". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using this analysis and the examples provided by Ludwig, you can confidently and appropriately use "just by error" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purely by mistake

Emphasizes the unintentional nature of the error.

simply by accident

Highlights the accidental nature of the occurrence.

merely by chance

Focuses on the randomness of the error's occurrence.

completely unintentionally

Explicitly states the lack of intent.

entirely inadvertently

Uses a more formal term for unintentional action.

solely through error

Highlights error as the only cause.

only by oversight

Indicates the error was due to a failure to notice something.

just by a fluke

Indicates a chance occurrence that leads to error.

purely through negligence

Suggests a lack of reasonable care leading to error.

accidentally and without intent

Combines accident and lack of intent for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "just by error" in a sentence?

You can use "just by error" to indicate that something happened unintentionally or accidentally. For example, "The document was deleted "just by error", and we are working to restore it."

What phrases are similar to "just by error"?

Similar phrases include "by mistake", "by accident", "unintentionally", or "inadvertently". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "just by error" formal or informal?

"Just by error" is relatively neutral, but it leans slightly toward informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using phrases like "due to an oversight" or "as a result of a clerical error."

What is the difference between "just by error" and "due to negligence"?

"Just by error" implies a simple mistake without assigning blame. "Due to negligence", on the other hand, suggests a lack of reasonable care or a failure to act responsibly, leading to the "error".