the same error

USAGE SUMMARY

"the same error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an error which has already been mentioned or implied. For example: "He made the same error again and failed the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hitchens is guilty of the same error.

The Guardian - Arts

Cain and Soros make the same error.

The Washington Post

But I see the same error message.

Yale University

(The same error appeared in an article on Aug. 31).

The New York Times

Why did the newspaper obituarists converge on the same error?

The Guardian

He wasn't about to make the same error.

The New York Times - Arts

An earlier version of this correction included the same error.

The New York Times - Health

Other infants have died from the same error.

The New York Times - Health

Scientific leaders now risk repeating the same error.

Nature

And an accompanying picture caption included the same error.

The New York Times

Yet she will heedlessly plunge into the same error.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the same error" when you want to explicitly reference an error that has already been mentioned or identified in the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the same error" if you are referring to a general category of mistakes rather than a specific, previously identified one. In such cases, use phrases like "a similar error" or "a related mistake" to indicate a broader connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same error" functions as a noun phrase acting as a direct object, subject complement, or appositive within a sentence. It identifies a specific, previously mentioned mistake that is being repeated or acknowledged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the same error" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a previously identified mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's most frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "the same error", ensure you're referencing a specific error to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of potential redundancy with phrases like "the same exact error". Alternatives like "the identical mistake" or "the equivalent error" can add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the identical mistake

Emphasizes that the mistake is exactly alike.

the equivalent error

Highlights the similarity in effect or consequence of the error.

the selfsame error

Stresses that it is precisely the same error, without any variation.

the very same mistake

Emphasizes the lack of difference between the mistakes.

the repeated mistake

Focuses on the recurrence of the error.

the recurring error

Indicates that the error happens again and again.

the copied error

Implies someone has imitated a previous error.

a similar error

Denotes a mistake that shares common traits but isn't exactly identical.

a parallel mistake

Suggests an error that is analogous in nature.

a comparable mistake

Indicates mistakes that can be likened or measured against each other.

FAQs

How can I use "the same error" in a sentence?

You can use "the same error" to indicate a repetition of a mistake. For instance, "He made the same error in the second test as he did in the first."

What are some alternatives to "the same error"?

Alternatives include "the identical mistake", "the equivalent error", or "the very same mistake", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the same exact error"?

While understandable, "the same exact error" can be considered redundant. The word "same" already implies exactness, so using "the same error" is typically sufficient.

What is the difference between "the same error" and "a similar error"?

"The same error" refers to the exact error occurring again, whereas "a similar error" indicates an error that shares characteristics but is not identical.