A handful of errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A handful of errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small number of mistakes or inaccuracies in a text or situation. Example: "After reviewing the report, I found a handful of errors that need to be corrected before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The Raiders threatened to bite back quickly, but thwarted their chances with a handful of errors.

The Guardian - Sport

Some claimed that the "Climategate" e-mails and a handful of errors in reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had cast doubt on the integrity of the climate science underlying the endangerment finding.

Columbia University

Szczesny has become a regular fixture in Rudi Garcia's Roma side, although a dislocated finger suffered in a Champions League match against Barcelona and a handful of errors have hindered his time in Italy so far.

Independent

The unauthorized release last fall of hundreds of e-mail messages from a major climate research center in England, and more recent revelations of a handful of errors in a supposedly authoritative United Nations report on climate change, have created what a number of top scientists say is a major breach of faith in their research.

The New York Times - Science

Hawkins made only a handful of errors but 38-year-old Englishman O'Sullivan, chasing his third Welsh Open crown, was ruthless and made three centuries.

BBC

Critics, for example, have uncovered a handful of errors in the 2007 IPCC report, including a false assertion that Himalayan glaciers would melt away by 2035.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Using forward error correction a receiver can correct a handful of bit errors in the resulting message but too much noise will lead to incomprehensible output and hence a breakdown of the transmission.

Wikipedia

Elsewhere on day four, a handful of unscripted errors by Hope Solo helped Colombia to a 2-2 drawiththethe US women's football team, which nonetheless tops Group G to soldier on to the knockout stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Up, 40-15, in the fifth game of the set, Williams got a bit cute with drop shots and made a handful of backhand errors to give Lisicki the break back.

The New York Times - Sports

Mrs. Bezos also suggests that there are a handful of factual errors in my account.

TechCrunch

The trust's chief pharmacist Dennis Lauder said: "It's fair to say over the last five to 10 years there have been a handful of serious errors.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handful of errors", ensure the context clearly indicates that the number of errors is small and relatively insignificant. This phrase is best suited when downplaying the impact of the mistakes.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of errors" when the errors are actually substantial or have significant consequences. Overstating the insignificance can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of errors" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object in sentences, indicating the presence of a limited quantity of mistakes. This aligns with the examples Ludwig provides, showcasing its role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a handful of errors" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe a small number of mistakes. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability and the provided examples showcase usage across news, science, and general contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the audience and context, as more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain situations. When using the phrase, ensure the number of errors is genuinely small and avoid exaggerating their insignificance to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few mistakes

Uses a more common synonym for "handful" and "errors".

some errors

Simplifies the expression to indicate the presence of errors without emphasizing the quantity.

a small number of errors

More formal and explicit about the quantity of errors.

a sprinkling of mistakes

Employs a metaphor to suggest the errors are lightly distributed.

several inaccuracies

Replaces "errors" with a synonym that emphasizes lack of precision.

a limited number of errors

Highlights the constraint on the quantity of errors.

minor errors

Focuses on the severity of the errors, implying they are not critical.

isolated errors

Suggests the errors are infrequent and not part of a larger pattern.

occasional errors

Indicates the errors happen sporadically.

a smattering of errors

Uses a less common term to describe a small, scattered number of errors.

FAQs

How can I use "a handful of errors" in a sentence?

You can use "a handful of errors" to describe a situation where there are a small number of mistakes or inaccuracies. For example: "The report contained "a handful of errors", but overall it was well-written."

What phrases are similar to "a handful of errors"?

Similar phrases include "a few mistakes", "some errors", or "a small number of errors". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a handful of errors" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally acceptable, but consider your audience. In highly formal or technical contexts, "a small number of errors" might be more suitable. However, "a handful of errors" is understandable and reasonably professional.

Can "a handful of errors" be used to describe serious mistakes?

While grammatically correct, it's best to avoid using "a handful of errors" if the mistakes are severe or have significant consequences. Using it in such cases might downplay the seriousness of the situation. Instead, consider using phrases that accurately reflect the magnitude of the errors.