made the error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made the error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a mistake that someone has committed in a specific context. Example: "After reviewing the report, I realized that I made the error in the calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I made the error, not my daughter," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I made the error of waiting too long, I hesitated.

The Guardian - Sport

The company made the error of believing its cash flows were reliable and utility-like.

The Guardian - Business

Robinson made the error of ignoring the evidence of what was happening at Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The Guardian - Sport

"I made the error of repeating to a journalist what Eric had said.

The Guardian - Film

Many a rider has made the error of moving too early when chasing such speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A man connected with map-making made the errors.

The New Yorker

Some make the error of bending a valve almost impossible.

The New York Times

Airline workers, tourists and local residents alike make the error.

The New York Times

He makes the error for 15-30 thittinghithenetthe net coming forward.

The Guardian - Sport

But then Li reverts back to her first-strike tennis and makes the error.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made the error", ensure the context clearly defines the error itself or provides enough information for the reader to understand what the error was. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "made the error" without specifying what the error was. Vague references can confuse the reader and diminish the impact of your statement. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made the error" functions as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence, indicating the commission of a mistake. Ludwig shows many examples in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made the error" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that someone has committed a mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used, especially in news and media. When using it, ensure that you clearly define the error to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral, consider alternative phrases like "committed the mistake" or "erred" to adjust the formality. Remember to avoid vague references and provide context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committed the mistake

Replaces "error" with "mistake", offering a slightly less formal tone.

erred

A concise, more formal way of saying someone made a mistake.

was mistaken

Focuses on the state of being incorrect rather than the action of making an error.

made a blunder

Implies a more significant or embarrassing mistake.

slipped up

An informal way to say someone made a small mistake.

dropped the ball

An idiomatic expression implying negligence or failure to fulfill a responsibility.

miscalculated

Highlights an error in judgment or estimation.

blundered

Similar to "made a blunder" but more concise.

was at fault

Indicates responsibility for an error or mistake.

created a fault

Describes that caused something to stop working or to break.

FAQs

How can I use "made the error" in a sentence?

You can use "made the error" to indicate that someone has committed a mistake. For example, "The accountant "made the error" when calculating the taxes".

What's a more formal way to say "made the error"?

A more formal alternative to "made the error" is "erred". You could say, "The analyst "erred" in their assessment".

What is something similar to the phrase "made the error"?

Other alternatives to "made the error" include "committed the mistake", "was mistaken", or "slipped up", depending on the formality and context.

When is it appropriate to use "made the error"?

The phrase "made the error" is appropriate in situations where you want to directly acknowledge a mistake and assign responsibility, whether to oneself or another party. It is common in both professional and informal settings.