published in error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "published in error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a document, article, or piece of information that was mistakenly released or made public. Example: "The report was published in error and has since been retracted due to inaccuracies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This was published in error".

The Guardian - Business

A picture with the article was published in error.

The New York Times

An earlier version of this story was published in error.

The Guardian - Arts

And a picture with the column was published in error.

The New York Times

In addition, an accompanying illustration was published in error.

The New York Times

The photo accompanying an article last Sunday about the violinist Midori was published in error.

The New York Times

A painting with the article, identified as an image of Henry Cavendish, was published in error.

The New York Times - Science

A photograph with the article, of shoes with paintings of $100 bills, was published in error.

The New York Times

A photograph published in error was replaced on 11 June 2014.

The Guardian - Music

A picture last Friday with the "36 Hours" column, about Duluth, Minn., was published in error.

The New York Times

A picture last Sunday with the Dining Out column was published in error.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly state what was "published in error" and provide the correct information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "published in error" when the issue is merely a typographical error. "Published in error" implies a more significant mistake, such as incorrect data or a wrongly included article. Use "misprinted" or "typo" for simple spelling or formatting mistakes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "published in error" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (e.g., article, photograph, information) to indicate that it was released or printed incorrectly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "published in error" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that information was released incorrectly. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples shows that it's primarily used in news and media contexts to issue corrections and retractions. Alternatives like "mistakenly released" or "released by mistake" can be used, but the original phrase remains a clear and professional choice. When using "published in error", ensure you promptly correct the mistake and provide accurate information to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

printed in error

A shorter version focusing on the printing aspect.

issued in error

A concise way to state the error in issuing the content.

released by mistake

A simpler way to convey the error in release.

mistakenly released

Focuses on the accidental nature of the release.

incorrectly issued

Highlights the improper issuance of the information.

erroneously printed

Emphasizes the incorrectness of the printed material.

inadvertently disclosed

Stresses the unintentional disclosure of the information.

wrongly disseminated

Focuses on the improper spreading of the information.

appeared unintentionally

Highlights the lack of intention behind the appearance.

circulated erroneously

Emphasizes the incorrect circulation of the information.

FAQs

How to use "published in error" in a sentence?

You can say "The article was "published in error" and has been retracted" or "The photograph accompanying the article was "published in error"."

What can I say instead of "published in error"?

You can use alternatives like "mistakenly released", "incorrectly issued", or "released by mistake" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "published in error" in formal writing?

Yes, "published in error" is suitable for formal writing, especially when issuing corrections or retractions in professional or academic contexts. However, consider alternatives like "erroneously printed" or "inadvertently disclosed" if they better fit the specific context.

Which is correct, "published in error" or "published by mistake"?

"Published in error" and "published by mistake" are both correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific tone you want to achieve. They are largely interchangeable. "released by mistake"