technical fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "technical fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error or malfunction related to technology or technical systems. Example: "The system crashed due to a technical fault that was not anticipated during the testing phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In part this seems a technical fault.

The Guardian - Film

It was so bad, it looked like a technical fault.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The email was caused by a technical fault.

The Guardian

A technical fault caused the crash, military officials said.

The New York Times

A technical fault had plunged Walters into headphones like earmuffs for 20 minutes of her show".

The New York Times - Magazine

Our highly trained pilots returned to Heathrow as a precaution after a suspected technical fault.

Independent

If a technical fault were to emerge, the world's policeman would be grounded.

The Economist

Television sets may have been adjusted, but it was no technical fault.

The Guardian - Sport

Due to a technical fault, we have been unable to upload today's Azed crossword.

The Guardian

A problem with an engine or a technical fault would not produce an immediate accident.

The Guardian

Two children were killed in the bombing, which the government attributed to "an unintended technical fault".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "technical fault", be specific about the affected system or component to provide clarity. For instance, specify "engine technical fault" instead of just "technical fault".

Common error

Avoid using "technical fault" as a generic explanation for any problem. Always investigate and specify the actual cause or affected component, like "software bug" or "hardware malfunction", to provide a more informative description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technical fault" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, describing a specific problem or issue related to a technical system or device. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI which states that the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "technical fault" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe malfunctions in technical systems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a usable phrase in written English. Its frequency is high across varied domains, especially in news and media, reflecting its widespread applicability. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to be specific about the nature of the "technical fault" rather than using it as a catch-all term. Alternatives such as "technical malfunction" or "system error" can provide more precise descriptions, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

technical malfunction

Replaces "fault" with "malfunction", emphasizing a failure to function correctly.

equipment failure

Focuses on the failure of a specific piece of equipment.

system error

Highlights an error within a system, which could be hardware or software.

hardware issue

Specifically refers to a problem with the physical components of a system.

software bug

Pinpoints a problem within the software causing the malfunction.

mechanical failure

Indicates a failure in a mechanical system, rather than an electronic one.

operational glitch

Suggests a minor, temporary problem affecting operation.

electronic defect

Refers to a flaw or imperfection in an electronic component.

computer error

Focuses on errors specifically related to computer systems.

faulty component

Highlights that a specific part is defective and causing problems.

FAQs

What does "technical fault" mean?

A "technical fault" refers to a problem or malfunction within a system, device, or process that relies on technology or technical components. It indicates that something is not working as intended due to an error or defect.

What are some alternatives to using "technical fault"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "technical malfunction", "system error", or "equipment failure".

Is it appropriate to use "technical fault" in formal writing?

Yes, "technical fault" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in technical reports, news articles, and professional communications. However, ensure the context aligns with the level of formality. More specific terms might be preferred in highly technical contexts.

How can I identify if a problem is a "technical fault" or a user error?

A "technical fault" typically occurs when a system or device fails to perform as designed, regardless of user input. User error, on the other hand, results from incorrect or unintended actions by the user. Diagnosing the issue often involves checking system logs, running diagnostics, and observing the behavior of the equipment under controlled conditions.