Err on is common in expressions such as err on the side of caution. Err in is used when describing the area or aspect where a mistake occurs.
Use err on mainly in the expression err on the side of something. Use err in to identify the area where someone made a mistake. The meanings are different, so the choice depends on context.
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
This fixed expression means to prefer caution, generosity, strictness, or another quality.
Use in to specify the field, detail, or aspect containing the error.
By can introduce the amount or degree of error.
Toward is sometimes used to describe leaning in a direction.
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Err on usually appears in the phrase on the side of.
✕ The manager erred on caution. ✓ The manager erred on the side of caution.Use err on the side of for cautious choices.
✕ They erred in caution. ✓ They erred on the side of caution.In identifies where the mistake happened; by shows the amount.
✕ The calculation erred in five percent. ✓ The calculation erred by five percent.Use err in when discussing incorrect details or reasoning.
✕ The article erred on the statistics. ✓ The article erred in the statistics.Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
It means choosing the safer or less risky option.
Yes. Use err in to identify the area, detail, or subject where a mistake occurred.
No. Err on usually refers to a cautious preference, while err in refers to the place or aspect of an error.
Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.
