my error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to acknowledge a mistake you made in a conversation or written communication. Example: "I apologize for the confusion in my previous message; that was my error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My error".

Independent

"It was my error".

The New York Times

I hastily corrected my error.

The Washington Post

And yet my error seemed symptomatic.

The Guardian - Books

My error was much more serious.

The New York Times

Gonna erase my error ridden rant.

The Guardian - Music

At the Whitney, I recognize my error.

The New York Times - Arts

"I've said repeatedly that was my error.

The New Yorker

My error could easily have led to a fatal outcome.

The New York Times

I didn't realize my error until the new unit arrived.

The New York Times

My error was waiting so long to walk away.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When admitting "my error", be specific about what you did wrong to demonstrate sincerity and understanding of the situation.

Common error

While "my error" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal documents or presentations may sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "my mistake" or "my oversight" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my error" functions as a noun phrase that specifies a mistake or fault for which the speaker takes ownership. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. It modifies the noun "error" with the possessive pronoun "my".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to acknowledge a mistake or fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, although it's important to consider the specific tone you wish to convey. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts, it indicates a neutral register appropriate for both professional and less formal communications. When using "my error", be specific about the mistake and consider synonyms like ""my mistake"" or "my fault" to avoid repetition and maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my mistake

Replaces "error" with "mistake", a more common and slightly less formal term for an unintentional wrong action.

my fault

Shifts the focus to responsibility or blame, indicating the speaker accepts accountability for the error.

my blunder

Emphasizes the clumsiness or carelessness of the error, suggesting it was a significant or embarrassing mistake.

my oversight

Highlights the aspect of neglecting to notice or consider something important, leading to the error.

my misjudgment

Focuses on the incorrect assessment or decision that resulted in the error.

the error I made

Rephrases to emphasize the action of making the error, rather than the error itself.

the mistake I committed

Similar to "the error I made", but uses "mistake" and "committed" for a slightly different nuance.

I was wrong

A simple and direct admission of being incorrect, often used in less formal contexts.

I erred

A more formal and less common way of saying "I made an error".

my slip-up

Suggests a minor or unintentional mistake, often implying it was not a serious error.

FAQs

How can I use "my error" in a sentence?

You can use "my error" to acknowledge a mistake you made. For example, "I apologize for the incorrect information; that was "my error"".

What's the difference between "my error" and "my mistake"?

While both phrases acknowledge a mistake, "my error" can sound slightly more formal than "my mistake". The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

Is it correct to say "the error was mine" instead of "my error"?

Yes, "the error was mine" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as "my error". It's a stylistic variation that emphasizes ownership of the mistake.

What are some professional alternatives to "my error" in a business setting?

In a professional setting, consider using alternatives like "my oversight", "my misjudgment", or "I take responsibility" instead of directly saying "my error". These phrases can convey accountability while maintaining a professional tone.