correction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “correction” mean?
The action or process of making something right or accurate by removing errors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of making something right or accurate by removing errors; a change that fixes a mistake.
A punishment or criticism intended to improve behaviour; a temporary reversal in a financial market following a sharp rise; the adjustment of a numerical result to account for an error or for known conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core usage. The phrase 'correction fluid' is common in both, though brand names like 'Tipp-Ex' (UK) and 'Wite-Out' (US) vary. In finance, 'market correction' is used identically.
Connotations
In both, 'make a correction' is neutral. 'House of Correction' as a term for a prison is dated but historically used in both, with specific local institutional names persisting (e.g., 'Maidstone House of Correction' in UK history).
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties in formal, academic, and professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “correction” in a Sentence
correction to sthcorrection of sthcorrection for sthunder correctionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “correction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will correct the proofs before publication.
- Teachers should correct pupils' work promptly.
American English
- He needs to correct the balance on the spreadsheet.
- The GPS corrected our course automatically.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her correctively over his glasses. (Rare, formal)
American English
- The system operates autocorrectively. (Technical, rare)
adjective
British English
- He wore corrective lenses.
- The document was sent to the corrective services department.
American English
- She underwent corrective surgery.
- The pilot made a corrective manoeuvre.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to revising reports, financial adjustments, or strategic changes: 'The board demanded a correction to the quarterly forecast.'
Academic
Pertains to grading, peer review, and scientific data: 'The paper underwent peer review and required several factual corrections.'
Everyday
Commonly used for fixing typos, homework errors, or directions: 'I need to make a quick correction to the shopping list.'
Technical
Used in computing (error-correcting code), optics (vision correction), and engineering (calibration correction).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “correction”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “correction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “correction”
- Using 'correction' as a countable noun for an abstract process without 'a' (e.g., 'Correction is needed' vs. 'A correction is needed').
- Confusing 'correction' with 'correlation'.
- Over-translating the Russian construction 'внести коррективы' as 'make corrections' where 'make adjustments' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it can also refer to a punitive measure (correctional facility) or a standard adjustment in technical fields (e.g., a correction for temperature in a science experiment).
'Correction' implies fixing specific errors to make something right. 'Revision' is broader, involving re-examination and changes that may include corrections but also updates, improvements, or rewrites.
No, the verb form is 'correct'. 'Correction' is only a noun.
It refers to a short-term price decline of 10% or more in a stock, bond, commodity, or index, seen as a reversal to a more sustainable price level after a period of excessive growth.
The action or process of making something right or accurate by removing errors.
Correction is usually formal to neutral in register.
Correction: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrɛkʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈrɛkʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A house of correction”
- “Speak under correction (formal: admitting one may be wrong)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a teacher with a RED pen making a CORRECTION on your test – both words have 'RECT' in them, which comes from Latin for 'straight' or 'right'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ERROR IS A DEVIATION FROM A PATH; CORRECTION IS BRINGING BACK TO THE PATH. (e.g., 'course correction', 'back on track').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'course correction' LEAST likely to be used metaphorically?