system error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "system error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a malfunction of a computer system or other machine. For example, "My computer crashed due to a system error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

the system error occured.

Stanford University

That would be a true system error.

The Economist

This many reboots usually signifies catastrophic system error.

The Guardian - Film

Can an entire polling place yield a system error?

The New Yorker

Opodo has refused to refund me, despite their system error having caused the problem".

The Guardian - Money

The poll worker told Mr. Rojas not to worry; every ballot was generating the "system error".

The New Yorker

Then what Expedia calls a rare system error cancelled the other three.

The Guardian - Money

Tidal initially blamed a "system error" and pulled it, trying to laugh it off.

The Guardian - Music

The scorebox on this story is incorrect due to a system error.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, the reduction of swing inevitably makes the system error-prone.

Princeton University

This will clear up a file-system error in most cases, and the drive will work normally again.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting a "system error", provide as much detail as possible about the circumstances in which it occurred, including any error codes or messages displayed. This can help in diagnosing and resolving the issue more quickly.

Common error

Avoid attributing all software or hardware problems to a generic "system error". Investigate to determine the specific cause, such as a memory leak, driver conflict, or corrupted file. Specificity helps in targeted troubleshooting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a malfunction or problem within a computer system or device. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "system error" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe malfunctions within computer systems and other technological devices. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used. Its function is to report or describe technical problems in a neutral to professional register. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Academia, as evidenced by the examples analyzed. To use the phrase effectively, provide specific details about the error and avoid overgeneralizations. While "system error" is widely accepted, alternatives such as "computer malfunction" or "technical fault" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

computer malfunction

Focuses specifically on malfunctions within computer systems.

technical fault

Broader term encompassing any kind of technical failure.

software bug

Refers specifically to errors in software code.

hardware failure

Specifically indicates a breakdown in physical components.

operational glitch

Implies a minor, temporary malfunction during operation.

application error

Refers to errors within a specific application or program.

process disruption

Highlights the interruption of a process due to an error.

fatal exception

Indicates a severe error that causes a program to terminate.

unexpected crash

Describes a sudden and unforeseen system failure.

faulty operation

Emphasizes that the system is not operating as intended.

FAQs

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

You can use "system error" to describe a malfunction or fault in a computer or other system. For example, "The program terminated abruptly due to a "system error"" or "The voting machine displayed a "system error", requiring a manual recount."

What are some alternatives to "system error"?

Some alternatives to "system error" include "computer malfunction", "technical fault", or "software bug", depending on the specific context and cause of the error.

Is it better to say "system error" or "system errors"?

The choice between "system error" and "system errors" depends on whether you are referring to a single instance of an error or multiple instances. Use "system error" for a singular event and "system errors" for multiple occurrences. For example, "A "system error" caused the program to crash" versus "Multiple "system errors" were logged during the update process."

What does it mean when I receive a "system error" message?

A "system error" message typically indicates that the operating system or a program has encountered an unexpected problem. This could be due to various factors, such as corrupted files, hardware issues, or software conflicts. Troubleshooting steps often involve restarting the system, updating software, or running diagnostic tools.