was erroneous

USAGE SUMMARY

"was erroneous" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a mistake, misunderstanding, or miscalculation. For example, "My understanding of the situation was erroneous."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was erroneous.

Cornell University

III as permitting the total ban was erroneous.

Cornell University

It is now said that this ruling was erroneous.

Cornell University

This approach was erroneous as a matter of law.

Harvard University

Its conclusion was erroneous, and it should not be followed.

Cornell University

The signal was erroneous, but no one could be sure.

The New York Times

This was erroneous, but North Korea's government had collapsed.

The Washington Post

This conclusion was erroneous as a matter of law.

The New York Times

And the account of Justice Sweeney's history was erroneous.

The New York Times

This comparison was erroneous for a number of reasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Solicitor General now rightly concedes that that ruling was erroneous.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "was erroneous" provides a more precise and professional tone than simply saying "was wrong".

Common error

While "was erroneous" is suitable for formal writing, avoid using it in casual conversation or informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "was wrong" or "was mistaken" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was erroneous" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective ("erroneous") that describes a state of being incorrect or containing errors. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

39%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was erroneous" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that something is incorrect or contains errors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-suited for formal contexts, particularly in academic and news reporting. While simpler alternatives like "was wrong" exist, "was erroneous" offers a more precise and professional tone for correcting information. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the formality of the situation and avoids overuse in casual conversation. To enhance clarity, provide context and corrections when stating that something "was erroneous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was inaccurate

Replaces "erroneous" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of accuracy.

was incorrect

Uses a simpler term, "incorrect", to convey the same meaning of being wrong or inaccurate.

was wrong

Provides the most basic and direct synonym, suitable for informal contexts.

was false

Highlights the untruthful nature of the information.

was a mistake

Shifts the focus from the quality of the information to the action that produced it.

was flawed

Emphasizes the presence of a defect or imperfection leading to the error.

was unfounded

Indicates that the statement or belief lacked a solid basis or evidence.

was fallacious

Implies that the reasoning or logic behind the statement was flawed.

proved to be wrong

Adds an element of discovery, indicating the error was revealed over time.

turned out to be incorrect

Similar to "proved to be wrong", it emphasizes the eventual realization of the error.

FAQs

How can I use "was erroneous" in a sentence?

You can use "was erroneous" to indicate that a previous statement, belief, or calculation was incorrect. For example, "The initial report "was erroneous", and a correction has been issued."

What are some alternatives to "was erroneous"?

Some alternatives include "was inaccurate", "was incorrect", "was wrong", or "was a mistake". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "was erroneous" or "was incorrect"?

"Was erroneous" is generally more formal and emphasizes a deviation from correctness based on errors, while "was incorrect" is a more general term for something being wrong. Choose "was erroneous" for formal writing where precision is important, and "was incorrect" for simpler situations.

When should I use "erroneous" instead of "wrong"?

Use "erroneous" when you want to emphasize that something contains an error or deviates from what is accurate or correct. "Wrong" is a more general term and can be used in a wider range of contexts. "Erroneous" is more suitable for formal or technical writing.