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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with “error”

The most common fixed phrase is “in error”. “Error of” appears in formal expressions such as “error of judgment”, while “for error” is used in specific contexts like penalties or allowances.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with “error”?

Use “in error” to mean mistaken or incorrect. Use “error of” in set expressions such as “error of judgment”. “For error” is not usually attached directly to the noun “error”, but it can appear in technical or legal contexts such as “margin for error”.

The report was in error.
It was an error of judgment.
There is little margin for error.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in error

Showing that something is mistaken

Use this fixed phrase to say that a statement, decision, or calculation is wrong.

The court ruled that the data was in error.
Several invoices were issued in error.
2
error of + noun

Naming a type of mistake

This formal pattern describes the nature of a mistake.

The delay resulted from an error of calculation.
He admitted an error of judgment.
3
margin for error

Talking about acceptable inaccuracy

Use this expression to describe how much mistake is possible or acceptable.

The measurements leave no margin for error.
Pilots have little room for error.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in error
The figures were in error.
mistaken or incorrect
error of
It was an error of timing.
a mistake of a particular type
for error
The system allows for error in measurement.
usually part of a larger expression, not a direct pairing with error
margin for error
There is a small margin for error.
allowance for possible mistakes

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of error” as a general phrase

English normally uses “error of” followed by another noun, not “of error” alone.

✕ The document was of error. ✓ The document was in error.

Using “for error” directly after “error”

“For error” usually belongs to another expression such as “margin for error”.

✕ The report was for error. ✓ The report contained an error.

Confusing “in error” with location

“In error” means mistaken, not physically inside something.

✓ The account was created in error.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The payment was sent ___ error.
2. It was an error ___ judgment.
3. There is little room ___ error.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “in error” formal?

Yes. It is common in formal, legal, and business English.

Can I say “of error”?

Usually no. English normally uses “error of” followed by another noun, such as “error of fact”.

When is “for error” correct?

It is correct inside larger expressions such as “margin for error” or “allowance for error”.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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