misstatement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "misstatement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is an error or inaccuracy in a statement or representation of facts. Example: "The financial report contained a significant misstatement that affected the overall analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms Reinhart and Mr Rogoff struck back on May 25th in an open letter to Mr Krugman, decrying his "uncivil behaviour" and his own misstatement (Mr Krugman accused the authors of failing to make public their data; they had.

The Economist

Regulators were immersed in the investigations that resulted in the recently announced fraud settlement with Waste Management's auditor, Andersen (né Arthur Andersen), over the company's misstatement of profits in the mid-1990s.

The Economist

The cyclical p/e ratio which averages profits over 10 years does not completely remove the misstatement problem*.

The Economist

As the scale of any misstatement or deception becomes clear, further heads may roll.

The Economist

IT IS too soon to say whether the accounting misstatement at Tesco was cock-up or conspiracy.

The Economist

I don't understand how such a misstatement could have made it into print.Natasha Chart Madison, Wisconsin SIR —I disagree with the suggestion that choosing traditional filament light bulbs over low-energy alternatives is irrational.

The Economist

An argument may be fallacious in three ways: in its material content, through a misstatement of the facts; in its wording, through an incorrect use of terms; or in its structure (or form), through the use of an improper process of inference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a statement released by the V.A. later on Monday night, McDonald said, "I apologize to anyone that was offended by my misstatement".

The New Yorker

But if Rice might be Secretary of State, it's worth wondering about her world view, beyond one morning's misstatement.

The New Yorker

There is tension in the White House because it's know that a single misstep or misstatement could bring the roof down.

The New Yorker

The colorful word choice, combined with the misstatement of the scale of the protests, had a comic effect, and çapulcu became a national punch line.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, follow up a "misstatement" with the accurate information, citing credible sources to support your correction.

Common error

Avoid using "misstatement" when "lie" or "deception" is more appropriate. "Misstatement" suggests an unintentional error, while stronger terms indicate deliberate falsehood.

Linguistic Context

The word "misstatement" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a statement that contains an error or inaccuracy. It often appears in contexts where the veracity or correctness of information is being assessed, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "misstatement" is a noun denoting an inaccurate statement, generally without the intent to deceive. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically sound and frequently used in news, media, and formal business contexts. While often interchangeable with terms like "inaccurate statement" or "falsehood", it's crucial to consider the context and intent behind the inaccurate information. When writing, use "misstatement" when an error has occurred and not necessarily an intentional act of deceit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inaccurate statement

Replaces "misstatement" with a more direct adjective-noun combination to indicate a lack of accuracy.

error in statement

Replaces "misstatement" with a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the presence of an error within the statement.

factual inaccuracy

Emphasizes the discrepancy between the statement and the actual facts.

misrepresentation

Implies a false or misleading account of something, either intentional or unintentional.

untruth

Similar to "falsehood", but can also apply to statements that are not entirely accurate without being outright lies.

erroneous claim

Highlights the incorrectness of the statement being presented as a fact.

incorrect assertion

Similar to "erroneous claim", but focuses on the act of asserting something that is not correct.

falsehood

Substitutes "misstatement" with a stronger term implying a deliberate untruth, although "misstatement" often suggests an unintentional error.

distortion of facts

Suggests a twisting or alteration of the truth, implying a more significant deviation from reality than a simple "misstatement".

fallacy

Indicates a flaw in reasoning or logic that renders a statement or argument invalid.

FAQs

How is "misstatement" used in legal contexts?

In law, a "misstatement" often refers to an incorrect statement of fact that can form the basis of a claim for fraud or misrepresentation. The materiality of the "misstatement" and the reliance on it by the injured party are key elements.

What's the difference between a "misstatement" and a "lie"?

A "misstatement" implies an unintentional error or inaccuracy, while a "lie" is a deliberate attempt to deceive. The key difference lies in the intent behind the statement.

What are some synonyms for "misstatement"?

Alternatives to "misstatement" include "inaccurate statement", "untruth", "error in statement", and "factual inaccuracy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis desired.

How do auditors address a "misstatement" in financial statements?

Auditors are responsible for identifying and assessing the risk of material "misstatement" in financial statements. If a material "misstatement" is discovered, they must report it and may need to modify their audit opinion.