A simple error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A simple error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a minor mistake or oversight in various contexts, such as writing, calculations, or procedures. Example: "The report was delayed due to a simple error in the data entry process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A simple error in firewall configuration can potentially leak confidential corporate information.

Princeton University

A simple error indicator which is able to estimate the error level using a small number of Monte Carlo trials is proposed.

Composite Structures

A simple error in judgement or an innocent miscalculation could result in life-ending consequences.

Huffington Post

"I'm not actually sure it was that, but just a simple error".

The Guardian - Sport

"It could have gone either way, and it was just a simple error that let us down.

The Guardian - Sport

Zienkiewicz, J.Z. Zhu, A simple error estimator and adaptive procedure for practical engineering analysis, Internat.

Applied Numerical Mathematics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Similarly, we agree that a simple "error-catastrophe-like model" could be worked out in the case of gene-type independent genomes, but such an homogenous gene-type model could hardly been seen as realistic, as pointed out by S. Maslov.

Biology Direct

He tries a lob and misses it – so it's 15-30 instead of 0-40 – but it's then 15-40 on a very simple error from Tomic.

The Guardian - Sport

Errata are generally not published for simple, obvious typographical errors, but are published when an apparently simple error is significant (for example a greek mu is substituted for an 'm' in a unit, or a typographical error is present in the corresponding author's name).

Nature

In his study, Judge Posner considered how often the Supreme Court had reversed the Ninth Circuit in a way that suggested simple error by the lower court, as opposed to a principled disagreement on a knotty legal question.

The New York Times

The "horse race" models were about 40 percent more accurate, with a standard error of 6.9 points and a simple average error of 5.6 points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, follow "A simple error" with an explanation of how it occurred or was discovered. This provides additional context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the repercussions of "A simple error". Describing it as catastrophic without justification undermines credibility and may mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A simple error" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a mistake or oversight that is easily understood or made. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A simple error" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minor mistake or oversight. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to provide sufficient context to clarify the nature and impact of the error. Alternatives like "a minor mistake" or "a slight oversight" can be used to add nuance. Be mindful of overstating the consequences and ensure the description aligns with the actual severity of the mistake. Ultimately, "A simple error" serves as a versatile tool for acknowledging mistakes without unnecessary alarm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minor mistake

Emphasizes the insignificance of the error.

A slight oversight

Highlights the aspect of neglecting something important.

A basic mistake

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the error.

An easily made mistake

Points out the commonality and ease with which the error can occur.

A trivial error

Indicates the unimportance or lack of consequence of the error.

A careless mistake

Suggests a lack of attention or diligence led to the error.

An innocent mistake

Highlights the lack of malicious intent behind the error.

A common error

Emphasizes that the error occurs frequently.

A plain error

Indicates the error is clear and obvious.

An understandable mistake

Suggests the error is reasonable or easily comprehended given the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "A simple error" in a sentence?

You can use "A simple error" to describe a minor mistake or oversight, as in "The delay was due to "a simple error" in data entry".

What are some alternatives to "A simple error"?

Alternatives include "a minor mistake", "a slight oversight", or "a basic mistake", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe a mistake as "A simple error"?

No, it's only appropriate if the mistake is genuinely straightforward and easily understood. If the mistake is complex or has serious consequences, a more specific description may be needed.

Which is correct: "simple error" or "a simple error"?

"Simple error" can be used as a noun adjunct (e.g., "simple error correction"), but when referring to a specific error, ""a simple error"" is grammatically correct.