sure to err

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sure to err" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that making mistakes is a common or inevitable part of being human. Example: "Even the most experienced professionals are sure to err from time to time, reminding us that nobody is perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And be sure to err in favor of deregulation when striking that regulatory balance suggested in Point Two".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A spokesman for the Agriculture Department's food safety and inspection service, Steven Cohen, said it was necessary for the recall to cover three months of production because E. coli had been sporadically detected even before the outbreak of illness, and "to be absolutely sure, it is better to err on the side of caution".

The New York Times

But when I'm not sure about something, I try to err on the side of compassion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tarnowski says, "We want to err on the side of making sure [the kids are] safe," and orders another hearing in a month.

The Washington Post

But, she added, "I would think you'd want to err on the side of conservative, and make sure there's wealth preservation".

The New York Times

If you are not sure whether or not a specific software is safe to download, it is best to err on the side of caution and leave it alone.

Stanford University

Medical experts said it is difficult to know for sure whether patients such as Cole in vegetative states are experiencing pain, but physicians prefer to err on the side of caution when withdrawing life support.

Los Angeles Times

If you're not sure whether or not one more drink is a wise move to make, it's best to err on the side of caution and politely decline it.

WikiHow

"To err is human...".

The Guardian - Arts

They seem never to err anymore.

The New York Times - Sports

"To err is human, to forgive divine".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex or sensitive topics, using "sure to err" can soften the impact of potential mistakes, suggesting they are a normal part of the process.

Common error

Avoid using "sure to err" when the context requires absolute certainty. Opt for stronger phrases like "guaranteed" or "unquestionable" if the situation demands it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure to err" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a high probability or likelihood of making a mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses the idea that making mistakes is a common or inevitable part of being human.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sure to err" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a likelihood of making mistakes. As Ludwig AI states, its a correct and usable phrase to express human fallibility, appearing in contexts like News & Media, Academia and Wiki. When using "sure to err", remember it is generally neutral in register, and alternative phrases like "bound to make mistakes" or "likely to make mistakes" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Considering appropriate sources and context will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bound to make mistakes

Emphasizes the inevitability of making errors, similar to "sure to err".

likely to make mistakes

Indicates a high probability of error, focusing on the likelihood.

certain to make mistakes

Suggests a stronger degree of certainty about the errors.

destined to err

Implies a predetermined or fated outcome of making mistakes.

prone to error

Highlights a tendency or inclination to make mistakes.

apt to make mistakes

Indicates a natural or inherent inclination to err.

will undoubtedly err

Reinforces the certainty of making errors in the future.

cannot avoid mistakes

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of errors.

mistakes are unavoidable

General statement that errors are a normal part of any process.

it's only human to err

Classic expression acknowledging the inherent human fallibility.

FAQs

How can I use "sure to err" in a sentence?

You can use "sure to err" to express the likelihood of making mistakes, as in, "Even the most experienced professionals are "sure to err" from time to time".

What phrases are similar to "sure to err"?

Alternatives include "bound to make mistakes", "likely to make mistakes", or "prone to error", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sure to error" instead of "sure to err"?

No, the correct phrase is "sure to err". "Err" is the verb, while "error" is a noun. Using "error" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sure to err"?

It is suitable when you want to acknowledge that mistakes are a common or inevitable part of a process or human behavior. For instance, "In a project of this magnitude, someone is "sure to err" at some point".