they are fallible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are fallible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the imperfections or mistakes that individuals or systems may make. Example: "Even the most experienced professionals must acknowledge that they are fallible and can make errors in judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Recalling the Johnson administration's dismay with the lack of progress in the crucial year of 1965, McNamara notes, "I had always been confident that every problem could be solved, but now I found myself confronting one -- involving national pride and human life -- that could not". And in his summation, McNamara writes that, "People are human; they are fallible.

The Washington Post

England can be exciting to watch but they are fallible too.

BBC

They are fallible.

HuffPost

For their part, Mormon leaders know they are fallible.

Huffington Post

They are fallible, and they are misleading.

The New Yorker

They are fallible – remember Slater's intercept pass in the 2008 final?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In a seemingly a strange concession for a book that holds out the law as an animating vision of democratic life, Bharara acknowledges: "The law is not perfect". But his point is that the system rests in the goodness of the people who run it, even though they're fallible.

The Washington Post

Leaders have to show that they know that they're fallible human beings.

Harvard Business Review

VCs are usually super-intelligent people, yet they're fallible like the rest of us.

Huffington Post

It was delightfully funny to watch". David Chase, who wrote and produced for "The Rockford Files" and later created "The Sopranos," recalled Friday that Cannell's characters displayed "weaknesses — they were fallible human beings.

Los Angeles Times

Human beings are fallible as they receive, transmit, and act upon information related to medication in the home care environment, which is not typically designed for providing health care and where most care is provided by unregulated workers, family, and unpaid caregivers [ 3, 4].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are fallible" when you want to gently acknowledge the possibility of errors, especially in situations involving complex systems or human judgment. For example, in project retrospectives to avoid blaming people.

Common error

Avoid using "they are fallible" as an excuse for repeated negligence or incompetence. While it acknowledges human imperfection, it shouldn't excuse a lack of effort to improve performance or adhere to standards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are fallible" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It assigns the attribute of being capable of making mistakes to the subject 'they'. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. The numerous examples underscore its versatility in expressing a common human trait.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are fallible" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned way to express that someone or something is capable of making mistakes. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and its presence across various sources indicates common usage. While not exceedingly frequent, it serves as a valuable tool for acknowledging limitations, promoting understanding, and setting realistic expectations. It's most common in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding its misuse as an excuse for negligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they make mistakes

A more direct and simple way of stating fallibility.

they are not infallible

Uses the negative of 'infallible' to convey the same meaning.

they are prone to error

Emphasizes a tendency towards making mistakes.

they are capable of error

Focuses on the potential for making mistakes.

they are susceptible to mistakes

Highlights vulnerability to making errors.

they are imperfect

Highlights the lack of perfection, a more general term.

they are only human

Emphasizes that humans naturally make errors.

they are not always right

A more casual way to indicate the possibility of being wrong.

they have limitations

Focuses on the restrictions that lead to fallibility.

they are not without fault

A formal way of saying they are not perfect.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "they are fallible"?

Saying "they are fallible" means that the people or things being discussed are capable of making mistakes or being wrong. It acknowledges human imperfection and the possibility of errors in judgment or performance.

How can I use the phrase "they are fallible" in a sentence?

You can use "they are fallible" to indicate that someone or something is not perfect and can make mistakes. For example: "Even experts in their fields "are fallible" and can sometimes misjudge situations."

What are some alternative ways to say "they are fallible"?

Alternatives include "they make mistakes", "they are imperfect", or "they are prone to error". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to say "we are fallible" in a professional setting?

Yes, acknowledging "we are fallible" can be appropriate in a professional setting to foster a culture of transparency and learning from mistakes. It's important to balance this acknowledgement with a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.