your error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "your error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mistake made by the person being addressed, often in a context of correction or feedback. Example: "I noticed your error in the calculations; please double-check your work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Your error in judgment is deplorable.

The New York Times

What am I doing wrong? A. Your error may simply be impatience.

The New York Times

I accept too your apology for your error and for any embarrassment to the Government.

Independent

Touching the red button gives you a chance to correct your error and try again.

The New York Times

They are telling you that you need to do something to atone or make amends for your error".

The New Yorker

Hold on to your ponchos, people (or don't - surely you've realised your error by now?): a bit of a world exclusive this week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You may view your error in very personal terms, but it may reflect a fundamental flaw in a company, a system or a product.

The New York Times

"The only message we have heard for years is accuracy; your error rate is what matters," Ann Sessoms, Minnesota's welfare reform manager, said.

The New York Times

At this point, some 595 potential people have seen it…You realize your error, and issue a correction on your Twitter feed.

The New Yorker

It has turned Narrator, a weird, sad old feature that would read your error messages to you out loud, into a full-blown screen reader.

The New York Times

Whistle indoors, shake hands across a threshold or, if you're female, sit on the grass, and you'll soon discover your error.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Acknowledge potential mitigating circumstances. Instead of directly accusing someone of their error, use words that can open a dialogue, like: "I noticed this issue. Let's talk about it and see what can be done."

Common error

Avoid using "your error" in an accusatory or condescending manner. Focus on the issue itself rather than placing blame. Instead of saying "Your error caused this problem", try "There was an error that caused this problem, and let's see how we can fix it together."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "your error" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "error". It identifies the error as belonging to or being the responsibility of the person being addressed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "your error" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to indicate a mistake or fault belonging to the person being addressed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered acceptable. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it constructively and avoid being accusatory. Alternatives like "your mistake" can be used depending on the context. The phrase is commonly found in news, wikis, and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

your mistake

Replaces "error" with a more common synonym, "mistake".

your fault

Shifts the focus to culpability or responsibility for the error.

the mistake you made

Adds specificity by explicitly stating the action of making the mistake.

the error you committed

Uses "committed" instead of "made" to denote a more serious error.

your oversight

Suggests the error was due to a failure to notice something.

your slip-up

Implies a minor or trivial error.

where you went wrong

Focuses on the point at which the error occurred.

your inaccuracy

Emphasizes the lack of precision or correctness.

your miscalculation

Highlights an error in calculation or judgment.

the problem you have

Focuses on the resulting problem caused by the error.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "your error"?

You can use alternatives like "your mistake", "your fault", or "the mistake you made depending on the context.

How can I correct someone's error without being rude?

Focus on the issue rather than the person. Start by acknowledging any positive aspects of their work before pointing out the error. Use phrases like, "I appreciate your effort, but I noticed..." or "Perhaps we could look at this differently...".

Is it always necessary to explicitly point out "your error"?

Not always. Sometimes, guiding someone to discover the error themselves can be more effective. Ask leading questions or provide additional information that helps them identify the mistake.

What's the difference between "your error" and "your mistake"?

While both phrases are largely interchangeable, "error" often implies a more formal or technical context, whereas "mistake" is more general and informal. The choice depends on the specific situation and the desired tone.