they return an error vs they gave an error

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They return an error' is commonly used when describing a system or program that provides an error message or code. On the other hand, 'They gave an error' is more suitable when referring to a past event where an error occurred.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 711 views

they return an error

This phrase is correct and commonly used when describing a system or program that provides an error message or code.

This phrase is used to indicate that a system or program is producing an error message or code in response to a certain action or input.

Examples:

Every time I try to run the program, they return an error message.
The system will return an error if the input is invalid.

Show examples from the web [+]

The AND() function returns True if all the values are true. Otherwise it returns False (unless any of the values in an error - then it returns an error).
The XOR() function returns False if the number of True values is even. Otherwise it returns True. It returns an error if any argument is an error.
The NOT() function returns True if the value is False and returns False if the value is True. It returns an error if the input in an error.
Returns a single value from a column of a database specified by a set of conditions. This function returns an error if no value or more than one value exist.
Exit a login shell. Exits a login shell with exit status N. Returns an error if not executed in a login shell.
The OR() function returns True if at least one of the values is true. Otherwise it returns False (unless any of the values is an error, then it returns an error).
The ERF() function returns the error function. With a single argument, ERF() returns the error function between 0 and that argument.
Look, certain words are supposed to link to other websites, but when you click on it, it returns a 404 error page.
The ERFC() function returns the complementary error function.
The NA() function returns the constant error value, N/ A.
Every response from the server (return value or error message) of length L will be preceded with the following 4 bytes:
that the number of documents checked by the Financial Controller remained broadly stable at 33146 in 2001 (2000: 33335) while the document return rate (error rate) Defined as correcting communications as a percentage of files submitted.
The ISERROR() function returns True if its parameter is an error of any type. Otherwise, it returns False.
The SQRT() function returns the non-negative square root of the argument. It is an error if the argument is negative.
The ISERR() function returns True if its parameter is an error other than N/ A. Otherwise, it returns False. Use ISERROR() if you want to include the N/ A error as well.
Does nothing. This is useful if you request a CheckBox or RadioButton to return a value where a state, typically the unchecked state, has no value. The @null prevents an error indicating it is empty.
It was an error of judgement.
It was an error of judgement.
However, I discern an error in it.
There was an error while importing the accounts.

Alternatives:

they display an error
they show an error
they generate an error
they produce an error
they present an error

they gave an error

This phrase is correct and is suitable for describing a past event where an error occurred.

This phrase is used to indicate that an error occurred in the past, typically in a specific situation or context.

Examples:

During the test, they gave an error that we had to troubleshoot.
The system gave an error when the memory was full.

Show examples from the web [+]

I corrected all of the grammatical errors and his spelling errors and gave it back to him.
You want me to tell General Binns that we were refused entry because security made some error and gave us the wrong badges?
Maybe I gave up my circle of friends, my life, over an error in Dad's judgment.
They gave an intoxicating dose of alcohol, or what they thought would be an intoxicating dose of alcohol, to some 10-12-year-old boys.
In my view we made an error when we gave the price package a significance and a role it should not have.
He claims that the Civil Service Tribunal has committed an error of interpretation with respect to the scope of his action at first instance and, therefore, it gave a ruling ultra petita.
This gave rise to a contradiction, no doubt caused by an error in this House, which had adopted an oral amendment by simple majority without having removed the reference to the former procedures from the text of the Rules of Procedure.
It was an error of judgement.
It was an error of judgement.
However, I discern an error in it.
There was an error while importing the accounts.
There was an error while creating the account.
An error prevented the signature verification.
There was an error initializing MTP device support.
There was an error displaying help.
An error occurred while saving to your Drafts folder.
An error occurred while detecting silences.
There was an error displaying the url.
An error occurred while extracting files.
An error occurred while loading the archive.

Alternatives:

they encountered an error
they experienced an error
they faced an error
they had an error
they showed an error

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they return an error vs they gave an error