was sent in error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was sent in error" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when you need to explain that something was sent mistakenly. For example, "I apologize for the confusion; the previous email was sent in error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It was sent in error".

Independent

He told me the landbanking brochure was sent in error and promised me a new one.

The Guardian - Money

Heather Janik, a department spokeswoman, said that the message sent on Wednesday was sent in error and that Ms. Heller did not direct it to be sent.

The New York Times

Museum officials said the letter, which was sent at a time the museum was seeking state land for an expansion, was sent in error.

The New York Times

US news channel CNN was forced to recall a tweet it sent about the Queen being in hospital, saying it was sent in error.

The Guardian

A spokeswoman for the museum said in a statement: "The letter sent to foundation board members was sent in error, but was meant as a personal appeal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The university claimed that the letters had been sent "in error".

Vice

A few weeks later she received printed form advising her bill had been sent in error.

The New Yorker

They were sent in error, hospital officials said, but she feared she would have to pay them.

The New York Times - Science

But by 8 13 p.m., the lawyers had sent a second fax saying that the first had been sent in error and that the offer had lapsed.

The New York Times

During the Old Bailey hearings, the prosecution argued that there was evidence that Downey's letter had been sent in error.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "was sent in error", always provide a clear explanation or apology to mitigate any confusion or negative impact. For instance, if an email was mistakenly sent, follow up with a message clarifying the error and any necessary corrections.

Common error

Do not assume that the recipient automatically understands the error. Always explicitly state that the item "was sent in error" and provide context, especially if the content could be misinterpreted or cause concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was sent in error" functions as a passive construction combined with a prepositional phrase, indicating that an action (sending) was performed on something (the subject) due to a mistake. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, underlining that the message or document should not have been sent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was sent in error" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something was mistakenly dispatched. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for neutral communication contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, followed by science-related articles, signifying its role in clarifying unintentional actions. Related phrases include "was dispatched by mistake" and "was transmitted erroneously". When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context and apologize for any confusion. Avoid assuming the recipient understands the error; be explicit and transparent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was dispatched by mistake

Replaces "sent" with "dispatched" and "in error" with "by mistake", focusing on the action of sending and the accidental nature of it. Using the word mistake in place of error.

was mistakenly dispatched

Swaps "sent" with "dispatched" and "in error" with "mistakenly", concentrating on the act of sending something incorrectly.

was transmitted erroneously

Substitutes "sent" with "transmitted" and "in error" with "erroneously", highlighting the incorrect transmission of data or information.

was forwarded unintentionally

Replaces "sent" with "forwarded" and "in error" with "unintentionally", emphasizing the lack of intention behind the sending.

was issued inadvertently

Changes "sent" to "issued" and "in error" to "inadvertently", suggesting that something was released or distributed unintentionally.

was communicated wrongly

Replaces "sent" with "communicated" and "in error" with "wrongly", focusing on the incorrect delivery of information.

was directed to the wrong recipient

Replaces the whole phrase by focusing the attention on a misdirected dispatch.

should not have been sent

Expresses that the message or item never should have been sent.

was an unintended message

Highlights the lack of intention behind the message.

was a clerical mistake

Focuses on human mistake during the dispatching.

FAQs

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

You can use "was sent in error" to explain that something was mistakenly dispatched. For example, "The email containing sensitive information "was sent in error" and should be disregarded."

What's a more formal way to say "was sent in error"?

A more formal alternative to "was sent in error" could be "was transmitted erroneously". This phrasing is suitable for professional communications.

Is it better to say "sent by mistake" or "was sent in error"?

Both "sent by mistake" and "was sent in error" are grammatically correct, but "was sent in error" is often perceived as slightly more formal and professional. "was dispatched by mistake" is also a good alternative.

What should I do after realizing something "was sent in error"?

After realizing something "was sent in error", promptly notify the recipient, apologize for the mistake, and explain the correct information or next steps. Transparency can mitigate potential issues.