make an error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an intentional or unintentional mistake or slip of the tongue. For example, "The student tried really hard, but he still made an error on the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An employee may make an error somewhere down the operation line or may be impatient when loading oil tankers.

Stanford University

When you make an error, it's a big one.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not enough for someone to make an error.

The Guardian

"One day you make an error and they kill you.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's always difficult when you make an error," Alexander said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's what I think when I make an error," Mora said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our manager's right," said Mo Vaughn, one of five Mets to make an error today.

The New York Times - Sports

He has yet to make an error in 25 games with the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

The higher you go, the more likely you are to make an error".

The Guardian - Sport

If you miss a kick or make an error there's no point showing anything to anyone.

The Guardian - Sport

That is their winning percentage when they do not make an error.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks or contingencies, use "make an error" to acknowledge the possibility of mistakes and encourage proactive planning. For example, "To mitigate risks, we must consider the potential consequences if we "make an error" in the initial stages of development."

Common error

While "make an error" is acceptable in many situations, avoid excessive use in highly formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "commit a mistake" or "err" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an error" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of committing a mistake. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an error" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of committing a mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it may be beneficial to consider more formal alternatives like "commit a mistake" or "err" in professional settings. To ensure effective communication, remember to acknowledge errors and learn from them. In short, understanding the nuances of "make an error" can enhance your writing and improve your overall communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit a mistake

Focuses on the act of performing a mistake, often implying a more formal or deliberate action.

err

A more concise and formal way to say "make an error", often used in legal or official contexts.

slip up

Implies a small, unintentional mistake, often in a casual setting.

drop the ball

An idiomatic expression suggesting a failure to fulfill a responsibility or task.

blunder

Indicates a significant and often embarrassing mistake.

make a blunder

Like blunder, it indicates a significant and often embarrassing mistake, but it's less formal and less emphatic.

miscalculate

Suggests an error in judgment or assessment, often with numerical or strategic implications.

be mistaken

Focuses on the state of being incorrect, rather than the act of making a mistake.

misstep

Implies a temporary or minor error, often in a sequence of actions.

falter

Suggests a temporary loss of strength or certainty, leading to an error.

FAQs

How can I use "make an error" in a sentence?

You can use "make an error" to describe a mistake or fault. For example, "It's important to learn from your mistakes when you "make an error".

What's a more formal way to say "make an error"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "commit a mistake" or "err", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "make a mistake" or "make an error"?

"Make a mistake" and "make an error" are often interchangeable. However, "make an error" might be slightly more formal and is frequently used in technical or professional settings. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What are some common situations where people "make an error"?

People can "make an error" in various situations, such as during calculations, while driving, or when communicating. The key is to acknowledge the error and learn from it.