was an error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was an error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something that occurred in the past was a mistake or fault. Example: "The report was submitted late because there was an error in the scheduling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was an error".

The New York Times

This was an error.

The New Yorker

"It was an error, a mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

"Being filmed walking alone was an error.

Independent

That was an error on my part.

The New York Times

It was an error that he made".

The New Yorker

Sarkar's 29... Rd1 was an error.

The New York Times

Mamedyarov's 12... Ne5 was an error.

The New York Times

Instead, 37... a5 was an error.

The New York Times

The piece was an error.

The New York Times - Arts

Certainly it was an error".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was an error" to directly acknowledge a mistake or inaccuracy in a statement, action, or calculation. It's a clear and concise way to admit fault or identify a problem.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "was an error" without explaining the nature or cause of the error. Always provide context or clarification to help the audience understand the mistake and its implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was an error" functions as a statement identifying something as a mistake or inaccuracy. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It directly points out a fault in a previous action, calculation, or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was an error" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to acknowledge mistakes or inaccuracies. It appears across various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications, maintaining a neutral tone. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness. When using this phrase, providing context and clarification is crucial to ensure the audience understands the nature and implications of the mistake.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was a mistake

Replaces "error" with "mistake", a synonym with similar connotations.

was a blunder

Substitutes "error" with "blunder", implying a more significant or careless mistake.

was a miscalculation

Uses "miscalculation" to describe an error resulting from incorrect estimation.

was an oversight

Replaces "error" with "oversight", suggesting the mistake was due to inattention.

was a slip-up

Replaces "error" with the informal term "slip-up", indicating a minor mistake.

represented a flaw

Changes the structure to focus on the presence of a 'flaw' rather than an 'error'.

was a lapse

Substitutes "error" with "lapse", implying a temporary failure in judgment or memory.

proved to be incorrect

Shifts the focus to the state of being 'incorrect' as a result of something.

turned out to be faulty

Shifts the focus on the fact that something "turned out to be faulty".

was a faux pas

Replaces "error" with the French term "faux pas", suggesting a social blunder.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "was a mistake", "was a blunder", or "was an oversight" depending on the context.

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

You can use "was an error" to acknowledge a mistake, for example: "The calculation in the report was an error, and we have corrected it."

Is it better to say "was an error" or "was a mistake"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "was an error" might sound slightly more formal than ""was a mistake"". The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "was an error" and "was a lapse in judgment"?

"Was an error" generally refers to an inaccuracy or mistake, while "was a lapse in judgment" implies a temporary failure in decision-making or reasoning.