What is error? Pronunciation and usage in English

error means . Learn how to pronounce and use error through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of error

errornoun

/ˈɛrə/
Definition & pronunciation of error

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "error" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, but here's the most prevalent and generally accepted way:

The most common pronunciation is:

  • /ɪˈrɜːr/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down:

  • ɪ - Like the "i" in "bit" or "sit" – a short, quick vowel sound.
  • ˈr - This is the stress syllable. It's pronounced with a slightly emphasized "r" sound, but it's a very subtle, almost whispered "r." It's not a strong, rolling "r" like in Spanish.
  • ɜːr - This is the remainder of the word.
    • ɜː - This is a schwa sound, a very relaxed, short vowel sound, similar to the "a" in "about" or the "u" in "cut." It’s a neutral vowel.
    • r - Again, a very subtle, almost whispered “r”.

A slightly less common, but still acceptable, pronunciation:

  • /ɛrər/ (IPA) – This is more common in American English. It’s sounds a bit more like “eh-urr.”

Here's a breakdown to help you:

  1. Start with a short "i" sound: Like in "bit."
  2. Slightly emphasize the 'r': Almost a breathy "r" sound, not a strong roll.
  3. Finish with a relaxed "uh" sound: Like the "a" in "about" or the "u" in "cut".

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

To help me give you more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Practice pronouncing it with you?
  • Compare the pronunciation in British vs. American English a little more?

Usage and examples with the word error in English

Let's break down how to use the word "error" in English. It's a versatile word with several nuances, so it's helpful to understand the different ways it can be used.

1. As a Noun (the basic definition)

  • Meaning: An error is a mistake, a fault, or an inaccuracy. It's something that deviates from what is correct or expected.
  • Examples:
    • "There was an error in the calculation." (A mistake in math)
    • "I made an error when filling out the form." (A mistake in paperwork)
    • "The software reported an error and crashed." (A malfunction)
    • "He apologized for the error he made." (Acknowledging a mistake)

2. As a Verb (to make an error)

  • Meaning: To commit a mistake; to do something incorrectly.
  • Examples:
    • "I err on the side of caution." (This is an idiom meaning "to be overly cautious")
    • "She often errors in her grammar." (She makes mistakes with grammar)
    • "The computer erred in its data processing." (The computer made a mistake processing data)

3. Specific Types of Errors (More nuanced usage)

  • Technical Error: (Especially in computing or engineering) - A malfunction, bug, or problem in a machine or system.

    • "The printer had a hardware error."
    • "We’re investigating the root cause of the network error."

  • Human Error: A mistake made by a person. This is a very common usage.

    • "There was an obvious case of human error."
    • "The accident was attributed to human error."

  • Logical Error: (Programming and logic) - An error in the design or structure of a system, leading to incorrect results.

    • "The program contained a logical error that prevented it from working correctly."

  • Systematic Error: (Science and measurement) - An error that consistently produces results that are too high or too low. It's not random; it's a consistent bias.

    • "The measuring instrument had a systematic error that needed to be calibrated."

  • Minor Error/Significant Error: You can use "minor" or "significant" to describe the impact of an error.

    • "It was a minor error – I just didn’t read the instructions carefully."
    • "The error in the report had significant consequences for the company."

4. Idiomatic Expressions with "Error"

  • "To err is human": (A famous quote from Shakespeare) - It means that everyone makes mistakes; it's natural to err.
  • "To make a mistake": This is a more common and less formal way of saying you committed an error.

Tips for Using "Error" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The specific meaning of "error" depends heavily on the situation.
  • Be specific: Instead of just saying "There was an error," try to describe what the error was (e.g., "There was an error in the calculation of the total").
  • Consider synonyms: Sometimes, using a synonym like "mistake," "fault," or "inaccuracy" can be clearer and more appropriate.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "error" in? (e.g., writing a report, talking about programming, discussing a personal mistake, etc.)

Synonyms for the word error

Idioms of the word error

see, realize, etc. the error of your ways
(formal or humorous)to realize or admit that you have done something wrong and decide to change your behaviour
  • Will they realize the error of their ways before it is too late?
trial and error
the process of solving a problem by trying various methods until you find a method that is successful
  • Children learn to use computer programs by trial and error.

Practice with vocabulary error

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A critical data entry ______ led to incorrect financial reporting for the last quarter.
  2. Leaving the sensitive documents unlocked was a major ______ on my part.
  3. The quality control team discovered a significant ______ in the manufacturing process of the new device.
  4. Due to an unfortunate ______ in communication, the project deadline was missed by several days.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The programming team worked tirelessly to debug the system and eliminate the recurring ______ that caused data corruption. A) flaws B) errors C) defects D) malfunctions
  2. Her entire argument rested on a fundamental logical ______ regarding the economic model. A) misstep B) fallacy C) mistake D) error
  3. Please ensure all information in the application form is accurate; any ______ can lead to disqualification. A) inaccuracies B) omissions C) mistakes D) errors
  4. The consultant identified several ______ assumptions that undermined the feasibility study's conclusions. A) incorrect B) faulty C) erroneous D) wrong
  5. After thorough investigation, it was determined that the structural ______ was responsible for the bridge's collapse. A) flaw B) blunder C) defect D) mistake

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The technician made a wrong connection, which caused the network outage. Rewrite using a word related to "error":
  2. During the data migration, some records were not transferred properly. Rewrite using "error" or a related word form:
  3. I accidentally sent the email to the wrong recipient. Rewrite without using "error" or any related word forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A critical data entry error led to incorrect financial reporting for the last quarter.
  2. Leaving the sensitive documents unlocked was a major mistake on my part.
  3. The quality control team discovered a significant error in the manufacturing process of the new device.
  4. Due to an unfortunate oversight in communication, the project deadline was missed by several days.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The programming team worked tirelessly to debug the system and eliminate the recurring B) errors, D) malfunctions that caused data corruption.
  2. Her entire argument rested on a fundamental logical B) fallacy, D) error regarding the economic model.
  3. Please ensure all information in the application form is accurate; any A) inaccuracies, C) mistakes, D) errors can lead to disqualification.
  4. The consultant identified several A) incorrect, B) faulty, C) erroneous, D) wrong assumptions that undermined the feasibility study's conclusions.
  5. After thorough investigation, it was determined that the structural A) flaw, C) defect was responsible for the bridge's collapse.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The technician made a connection error, which caused the network outage.
  2. During the data migration, a transfer error resulted in some records not being transferred properly.
  3. I inadvertently sent the email to the incorrect recipient.

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