source of error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing potential mistakes or inaccuracies in data, experiments, or calculations. Example: "In our analysis, we identified the source of error as the calibration of the measuring instrument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interviewing is another potential source of error.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We're a source of error.

Harvard Business Review

A prevalent source of error is mistaken eyewitness testimony.

The New Yorker

Most reliability studies account for only 1 source of error.

The Journal of Pain

And having a small sample is only one possible source of error.

The New York Times

However, in an actual experiment another source of error comes into play.

Nature

These approximations and simplifications are a large source of error in weather forecasts.

The Guardian

In this dissertation I discuss different ways to correct this potential source of error.

Stanford University

Another source of error we encountered was due to the directivity of the LEDs.

Cornell University

There is no visible difference, and the only source of error is computational round-off error.

Stanford University

This is not a visible source of error in Fig.2.6.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential problems in a study or experiment, use "source of error" to clearly identify where inaccuracies may arise.

Common error

Avoid using "source of error" when you actually mean to describe the kind of error made (e.g., a calculation error vs. a data entry error). "Source" identifies the origin, while "type" describes the nature of the error itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of error" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the origin or cause of mistakes or inaccuracies. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, as demonstrated by numerous examples across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "source of error" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the origin or cause of mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility shines through varied contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. Common contexts include science, news & media, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that you are pinpointing the origin rather than describing the type of error. Alternatives like "cause of error" or "origin of error" can be used for similar effect. Proper usage involves accurately identifying the root of the problem, enhancing clarity and enabling effective solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of mistake

A more direct synonym, simply replacing "error" with "mistake".

cause of error

Focuses on the origin of the mistake rather than just the place it comes from.

origin of error

Emphasizes the starting point or root of the error.

root cause of error

Highlights identifying the fundamental reason for the mistake.

reason for the error

Focuses on the explanation or justification behind the error.

source of inaccuracy

Shifts the focus to the lack of precision rather than a complete mistake.

error's origin

More concise and emphasizes the error's beginning.

potential error source

Highlights the possibility of an error originating from a particular place.

where the error stems from

Focuses on the origin point, uses 'stems from' for a natural flow.

error-generating factor

Highlights factors that contribute to errors, with a more technical feel.

FAQs

How to use "source of error" in a sentence?

You can use "source of error" to pinpoint the origin of inaccuracies. For example, "The primary "source of error" in our calculations was the faulty measuring device."

What can I say instead of "source of error"?

You can use alternatives like "cause of error", "origin of error", or "reason for the error" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "source of error" or "sources of error"?

"Source of error" is used when referring to a singular origin of a mistake, while "sources of error" is used when referring to multiple origins.

What's the difference between "source of error" and "type of error"?

"Source of error" refers to the origin or cause of the mistake, while "type of error" describes the nature or category of the mistake (e.g., a systematic error).