that was an error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was an error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to acknowledge a mistake or incorrect action in various contexts, such as in communication, reports, or feedback. Example: "I apologize for the confusion in my previous email; that was an error on my part."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

This article was amended on 26 November to correct a reference to "gender identity" and replace it with "sexual orientation" in the first paragraph that was an error in the translation process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regarding Car & Driver quoting me as saying that GE would be an investor, that was an error on my part that was corrected as soon as C&D published.

TechCrunch

"I was not wearing hair extensions, that was an error on my part".

Vice

That was an error on my part.

The New York Times

That was an error, as the sequel showed.

The New York Times - Arts

That was an error in the drafting of the will".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

SPEER: No, that is an error.

Yale University

Then he yelled at the kids, "Hey, that's an error!" He turned back to Hurtado.

The New Yorker

Well, that's an error.

The Guardian - Film

"That's an error," she said.

The Washington Post

That's an error," said the Google error page.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that was an error", immediately follow it with a brief explanation or apology to show accountability and understanding of the mistake.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "that was an error" without providing context or acknowledging the impact of the mistake. Always offer a solution or express regret to demonstrate genuine accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was an error" serves as an acknowledgment of a mistake or inaccuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its use in the examples provided shows it functions to admit fault or correct a misunderstanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was an error" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for acknowledging a mistake. According to Ludwig AI, it is versatile and suitable for various contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations. While alternatives like "that was a mistake" or "that was incorrect" exist, "that was an error" maintains a neutral tone, making it appropriate for diverse audiences. It's most frequently found in news and academic sources. When using the phrase, it's best practice to provide immediate context and acknowledge responsibility to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was a mistake

Replaces "error" with the more common synonym "mistake".

that was incorrect

Uses a more formal adjective to describe the inaccuracy.

that was my fault

Shifts the focus to personal responsibility for the error.

that was an oversight

Implies the error was due to negligence or inattention.

that was a slip-up

Suggests a minor or unintentional error.

that was a blunder

Indicates a more significant or embarrassing error.

that was an inaccuracy

Emphasizes the lack of precision or correctness.

that was a misjudgment

Highlights that the error resulted from poor decision-making.

that was a miscalculation

Specifies that the error involved an incorrect computation or estimate.

that was a faux pas

Indicates a breach of etiquette or social norms.

FAQs

How can I use "that was an error" in a sentence?

You can use "that was an error" to acknowledge a mistake in various contexts. For example, "I apologize for the incorrect information; "that was an error" on my part."

What can I say instead of "that was an error"?

You can use alternatives like "that was a mistake", "that was incorrect", or "that was my fault" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "that was an error" or "that is an error"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""that was an error"" is typically used to refer to a past mistake, while "that is an error" is used to identify a present or ongoing mistake.

What's the difference between "that was an error" and "that was a mistake"?

The phrases ""that was an error"" and "that was a mistake" are often interchangeable. "Error" may suggest a more formal or technical context, while "mistake" is more general.