what an error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what an error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or dismay about a mistake or error that has occurred. Example: "After reviewing the report, I realized what an error it was to overlook those crucial details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What an error.

The Guardian

Just six runs needed and Pakistan, some people's pre-tournament favorites are going out! 40th over: Ireland 125-7 (O'Brien 13 Johnston 3) A wide! Gul bowls a wide what an error.

The Guardian - Sport

We should know what an error is!!

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though design-based regulation can be an attractive solution where there is widespread agreement about what constitutes good medical practice, it is considerably more problematic where there is contestation about what constitutes an error and who owns the definition of an error.

Social Science & Medicine

Ninety-five participants (58%) of those who believed they knew what a medical error was, felt that medical errors occurred often in the community, compared to 7 participants (4%) who felt that errors never happened.

BMC Medical Ethics

For the p-value, a minimum confidence level of 95% (α = or < 0.05) was defined, what is an error probability equal to or lower than 5%, aiming t-values higher than 1.96.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Individual interpretation of what is an error plays a role in identifying errors and making reports[ 23, 24].

BMC Family Practice

We agree that there is some opinion in determining what is an error in the absence of experimental characterization.

Biology Direct

Nearly thirty years after his seminal study of surgeons' conceptualisations of error [ 50], he finds that patient safety research is still almost exclusively asking 'How might adverse medical events be prevented?' He advocates that we turn to different questions, such as '...how do workers in a medical setting define what is an error?

BMC Health Services Research

Through qualitative analysis, we found that three areas may affect how physicians make decisions about error: the process that occurred vs. the outcome that occurred, rare vs. common occurrences and system vs. individual responsibility There is a lack of consensus about what constitutes an error both in the medical literature and in decision making by family physicians.

BMC Family Practice

What a pathetic error!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what an error" to express surprise or dismay when acknowledging a mistake or oversight.

Common error

While "what an error" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In professional or academic writing, consider more neutral phrasing like "a significant oversight" or "a critical mistake."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what an error" serves as an exclamatory expression indicating a realization or acknowledgment of a mistake. It functions to emphasize the speaker's recognition of the error, often with a tone of surprise or regret. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what an error" is a grammatically sound and commonly used exclamatory phrase that expresses the realization or acknowledgement of a mistake. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it is acceptable in various contexts, it is more frequently found in News & Media and Science domains and tends towards informality. When writing formally, consider using more neutral phrases. Related phrases include "what a mistake" or "what a blunder", offering alternative ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a mistake

Replaces "error" with a more general term for a wrong action or judgment.

what a blunder

Implies a more serious or careless mistake.

how unfortunate

Shifts the focus to the negative consequences of the error.

what a pity

Expresses sorrow or regret about the error.

what a disaster

Implies a catastrophic or highly damaging error.

what a catastrophe

Replaces "disaster" with a strong and very emotional term.

what a mess

Highlights the disarray or confusion resulting from the error.

what a shame

Expresses disappointment about the error and its consequences.

that's regrettable

A more formal way to express sorrow about the error.

how regrettable

Emphasizes the sorrowful aspect of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "what an error" to express dismay or realization of a mistake, as in: "After reviewing the report, I realized "what an error" it was to overlook those crucial details."

What are some alternatives to "what an error"?

Alternatives include "what a mistake", "how unfortunate", or "what a blunder", depending on the context and severity of the mistake.

Is "what an error" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what an error" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases such as "a regrettable mistake" or "a significant oversight".

What's the difference between "what an error" and "what a mistake"?

Both phrases express recognition of something done wrong, but "what an error" specifically highlights a deviation from correctness, while "what a mistake" is a more general term for any wrong action or judgment.