technical glitch

USAGE SUMMARY

'technical glitch' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a technical problem that was unexpected or unforeseen. Example sentence: Due to a technical glitch, I was unable to attend the meeting as scheduled.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was a technical glitch.

The Guardian - Music

We have a technical glitch.

The Guardian - Tech

Police insisted a technical glitch was to blame.

The Guardian

But a technical glitch (sound familiar?) kept many customers from buying the stock immediately.

The New York Times

And one major technical glitch transpired, briefly shutting down the proceedings.

The New York Times

A little technical glitch just took place so apologies for the lull.

The Guardian

There was a technical glitch, and she couldn't publish her post.

The New Yorker

"It was a pure, honest technical glitch," a Republican spokesman, John McArdle, said.

The New York Times

Despite the occasional technical glitch, Williams is a legitimate contender for a gold medal in Beijing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There were the inevitable technical glitches.

The New York Times

There are technical glitches, organizational pratfalls.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "technical glitch" when referring to a minor, unexpected malfunction, especially in computing or electronic systems. For more serious failures, consider stronger terms like 'system failure'.

Common error

Avoid using "technical glitch" to describe severe system failures or data breaches. It can downplay the seriousness of the event and mislead stakeholders. Use more precise terms like 'security breach' or 'system failure' in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technical glitch" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of problem related to technology. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "technical glitch" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a minor, unexpected malfunction in technology. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, particularly in neutral contexts such as News & Media. While widely understood, more precise terms may be preferred in formal settings to explain any system error. When you use "technical glitch", ensure you provide specific details and avoid using it for severe failures. This ensures clear communication and accurate reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor malfunction

Emphasizes the relatively small scale of the issue.

system error

Focuses on the system as the source of the problem.

software bug

Specifically refers to an error within software.

processing error

Highlights an error that occurs during data processing.

computer malfunction

Highlights a failure in the computer's operation.

connectivity issue

Points to problems related to network connections.

equipment failure

Implicates a breakdown or fault in physical equipment.

interface problem

Suggests a problem with the user interface or interaction.

operational hiccup

Suggests a temporary and usually insignificant interruption.

temporary setback

Highlights the transient nature of the problem, downplaying its severity.

FAQs

How can I use "technical glitch" in a sentence?

You can use "technical glitch" to describe a minor malfunction or error in a system. For example, "The website was temporarily down due to a "technical glitch"".

What can I say instead of "technical glitch"?

Alternatives include "system error", "software bug", or "minor malfunction", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "technical glitch" in a formal report?

While "technical glitch" is widely understood, in a formal report, it might be better to use more precise and professional terms like "system error" or "equipment failure" for clarity and accuracy.

What's the difference between a "technical glitch" and a "technical problem"?

A "technical glitch" is usually a minor, unexpected malfunction, while a "technical problem" can refer to a broader range of issues, including more serious or persistent failures.