Corrigendum vs. Erratum — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 1, 2024
Corrigendum refers to a correction in a text that's yet to be published, whereas erratum addresses errors in already published works.
Difference Between Corrigendum and Erratum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A corrigendum is a correction listed in a document or publication that has not yet been released to the public; it usually appears in proofs or drafts. On the other hand, an erratum is a notice of correction for an error that appears in a published work, typically issued in subsequent printings or online updates.
Corrigenda are often used in the context of academic and professional publications during the review and finalization phase, ensuring that errors are fixed before official release. Whereas errata are most commonly found in books, journals, and other materials after they have been distributed to an audience, acknowledging and rectifying mistakes to maintain the integrity of the text.
The responsibility for a corrigendum generally lies with the authors and editors before the final publication. On the other hand, an erratum can be issued by either the authors or the publishers once the error is recognized post-publication.
Corrigenda are proactive measures to prevent misinformation or errors from being publicly disseminated. In contrast, errata serve as reactive steps that correct mistakes already present in the public domain.
Corrigenda can enhance the credibility of upcoming publications by demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy. Conversely, while errata also uphold the credibility of the publication, they can sometimes reflect negatively on the editorial process, suggesting oversight.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Correction in a text before it is published
Correction of errors in already published materials
Usage
In drafts or proofs
In published books, journals, etc.
Responsibility
Authors and editors pre-publication
Authors or publishers post-publication
Function
Prevents dissemination of errors
Corrects errors after dissemination
Impact on Credibility
Shows diligence and attention to detail before publication
Aims to maintain credibility despite initial errors
Compare with Definitions
Corrigendum
Corrections made to proofs of a document.
The proofreader submitted a corrigendum for the textbook chapter.
Erratum
A correction in a published work.
An erratum was issued for the historical date error.
Corrigendum
A correction slip for a document not yet public.
The author included a corrigendum in the galley proofs.
Erratum
Correction note in a printed or digital publication.
The publisher added an erratum to the online article.
Corrigendum
A list of errors in a draft corrected before publication.
The final review included a detailed corrigendum for clarity.
Erratum
A list of corrections in a published document.
The journal published an erratum to rectify the misquoted sources.
Corrigendum
A correction to be made in a text.
The corrigendum was added to the draft manuscript to correct the statistical data.
Erratum
Formal correction of published material errors.
The erratum corrected the author’s name in the published paper.
Corrigendum
Amendment to a yet-to-be-released text.
The corrigendum addressed several typographical errors.
Erratum
Notice of error published in subsequent editions.
The erratum will appear in the next printing of the novel.
Corrigendum
An error to be corrected, especially a printer's error.
Erratum
An erratum or corrigendum (plurals: errata, corrigenda) (comes from Latin: errata corrige) is a correction of a published text. As a general rule, publishers issue an erratum for a production error (i.e., an error introduced during the publishing process) and a corrigendum for an author's error.
Corrigendum
Corrigenda A list of errors in a book along with their corrections.
Erratum
An error in printing or writing, especially such an error noted in a list of corrections and bound into a book.
Corrigendum
An error that is to be corrected in a printed work after publication.
Erratum
An error, especially one in a printed work.
Corrigendum
A list of errors in a printed work as a separate page of corrections.
Erratum
An error or mistake in writing or printing.
A single erratum may knock out the brains of a whole passage.
Corrigendum
A fault or error to be corrected.
Erratum
A mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
Corrigendum
A correction of an error, especially in a printed document.
Corrigendum
A printer's error; to be corrected
Common Curiosities
What is an erratum?
A formal notice of correction for an error found in published material.
How is a corrigendum used?
It is used to correct errors in proofs or drafts before publication.
What is a corrigendum?
A correction applied to a document or text before it has been published.
Where do you typically find an erratum?
In subsequent printings or updates of books, journals, or other published materials.
Who is responsible for creating a corrigendum?
The authors and editors involved before the text is published.
Who issues an erratum?
Either the publisher or the authors after the publication.
What is the impact of a corrigendum on a forthcoming publication?
It increases credibility by demonstrating thorough review and correction processes.
Why is an erratum important?
It maintains the integrity and accuracy of published information.
Can an erratum reflect negatively on a publication?
Yes, it can indicate previous oversights but also shows commitment to accuracy.
Do corrigenda and errata affect the credibility of academic work?
Yes, both are crucial for maintaining accuracy and credibility, though corrigenda are preventive, and errata are corrective.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
