the error was due to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the error was due to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to explain why something went wrong. For example: "The error was due to the incorrect data being entered into the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

WTW said the error was due to "an actuarial assumption not being accurately reflected in our actuarial calculations".

The Guardian - Business

Steve Kennedy, director of operations at the AEC, told the ABC the error was due to an "accounting problem".

The Guardian

The error was due to a difference in translation between the Dutch and English versions of the Dutch Safety Board's report into the disaster.

The Guardian

Director of Financial Aid Daniel Barkowitz said that the error was due to a computer glitch which was resolved within a day.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Associated Press reported last Wednesday that the error was due to a misunderstanding surrounding the purchase, and the tax paid as soon as she learned of the issue.

Huffington Post

The error was due to a missed footnote in an English-language report (Landell 1968).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

when the error is due to the file not existing.

Stanford University

The error is due to cross contamination of the lysosomal and ER fractions (compare Fig. 2A - Calnexin) and the relatively imprecise determination of the protein concentration using the Bradford assay.

Plosone

In these cases, the error is due to a lack of knowledge (in the first case) or compliance (in the second).

BMC Family Practice

This paper argues that the errors are due to a more fundamental assumption made in application of social contract and entitlement-based approach to social protection programing.

World Development

The errors are due to minor differences between the design optimisation and subsequent simulation models, which lead to small discrepancies between the capacity of the network and the required supply.

Advances in Engineering Software

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the error was due to", ensure that the cause you're identifying is specific and verifiable. This helps maintain clarity and credibility in your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "the error was due to" with overly general causes like "human error" without further detail. Instead, specify the precise action or oversight that led to the mistake.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the error was due to" functions as a causal connector, linking an identified error with its underlying reason or cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used in explanations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the error was due to" serves as a causal connector, used to explain the origin of a mistake or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, most prominently in science, news, and academia. Though not exceedingly common, its precise and explanatory nature makes it a valuable tool for clear communication. When employing this phrase, aim for specificity to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity. Alternatives include "the mistake stemmed from" or "it was caused by", depending on the desired emphasis. Remember to provide context and specifics when using this phrase to ensure effective and understandable communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the error resulted from

This alternative highlights the consequence or outcome of a specific action or situation.

it was caused by

A simpler, more direct way of expressing causation.

due to the fact that

Adds more emphasis on the detailed explanation of the origin of the error.

the mistake stemmed from

This alternative emphasizes the origin or source of the mistake.

the source of the error was

This alternative emphasizes the identification of the origin of the error.

the issue was a consequence of

Focuses on the problematic event being an effect or result.

the problem arose from

This phrase focuses on the emergence of the problem from a specific cause.

attributable to

Formally assigns the error to a cause, often used in technical contexts.

the fault lay in

This option places blame or responsibility on a particular aspect or element.

traceable to

Highlights the ability to find the origin of the error through investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "the error was due to" in a sentence?

Use "the error was due to" to clearly state the cause of a mistake or problem. For instance, "The error was due to a miscalculation in the initial data entry."

What are some alternatives to using "the error was due to"?

You can use alternatives such as "the mistake stemmed from", "the problem arose from", or "it was caused by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "the error was due to" or "the error was because of"?

"The error was due to" is generally considered more formal and grammatically precise. "The error was because of" is acceptable in informal contexts, but "the error was due to" is preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "the error was due to" and "the error resulted from"?

"The error was due to" indicates the direct cause of the error, while "the error resulted from" emphasizes that the error was a consequence or outcome of something. Although similar, "the error resulted from" highlights the effect more strongly.