typographical error

USAGE SUMMARY

"typographical error" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a mistake in printed or typed material that was caused by a mistake in the text itself, not a mistake in understanding or interpretation. For example, you could say "After the report was published, it was discovered that there was a typographical error in one of the figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Was that a typographical error?

The Guardian

A simple typographical error, no?

The New York Times - Magazine

"A typographical error, I'm sure".

The New York Times

— It looked like a typographical error.

The New York Times

Its unclear whether lucid is a typographical error.

The New York Times - Books

The next day, the writer apologized for the typographical error.

The New York Times - Sports

I have a couple of observations.First, about a typographical error.

The Economist

A typographical error in the picture caption of this article was corrected on Monday 26 September.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because of a typographical error, a letter yesterday about nursing homes misspelled the writer's surname.

The New York Times

(On Linotype machines, operators used the phrase "ETAOIN SHRDLU" to mark a typographical error).

The New Yorker

Yet another possibility is that "honed in" was a typographical error for "horned in".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When correcting a "typographical error", always highlight the original mistake and the correction clearly to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "typographical error" to describe mistakes in grammar or syntax. "Typographical error" refers specifically to errors in typing or printing, not broader language errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "typographical error" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It refers to a specific type of mistake in written text. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "typographical error" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe mistakes in typing or printing. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of identifying specific errors in written text. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, but also found in science and wiki sources. While simpler alternatives like "typo" exist, "typographical error" offers a more formal and precise way to address such mistakes. Remember to differentiate between "typographical error" and grammatical errors, ensuring accurate and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typo

Shorter, more informal term for a typographical error.

misprint

Refers specifically to errors in printed material.

literal error

Broader term that encompasses typographical errors and other similar mistakes.

erratum

A formal term for a list of corrections to a printed work.

clerical error

An error made in any kind of office work, including typing.

keyboarding error

Specifically refers to mistakes made while typing on a keyboard.

transcription error

Error made while transcribing something, which could include typing.

mistyping

The act of typing incorrectly.

printing mistake

Error that happens during the printing process.

writing error

A general mistake in writing, not necessarily related to typing or printing.

FAQs

How to use "typographical error" in a sentence?

You can say something like, "The document contained a "typographical error" on page five," or "The editor corrected several "typographical error"s before publication."

What's a simpler word for "typographical error"?

A simpler and more common word for "typographical error" is "typo".

Is "typographical error" the same as a grammar mistake?

No, a "typographical error" refers to mistakes in typing or printing, while a grammar mistake involves errors in sentence structure or word usage.

What should I do if I find a "typographical error"?

If you find a "typographical error", you should report it to the author or editor for correction.