A small lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A small lapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor mistake or error in judgment, memory, or performance. Example: "During the presentation, there was a small lapse in my memory, but I quickly regained my train of thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A small lapse perhaps, but noticeable.

Huffington Post

However a small lapse in defensive concentration saw Central Coast fall behind.

The Guardian - Sport

In the fourth quarter, the resilience of the American consumer suffered a small lapse.

The New York Times

Many genetic diseases result from a small lapse: Cells ignore some sections of genes that encode protein.

Science Magazine

With each spacecraft spinning around the Earth at seven kilometres per second, a small lapse in concentration could have resulted in catastrophe.

BBC

This piece may be a small lapse in playwright Holman's career.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Internally, we crack the whip," Duarte said, though he also noted there will be a few small lapses.

TechCrunch

That's no small lapse for Argentina, a two-time World Cup champion where soccer is a huge source of national pride.

The Washington Post

Hundert's belief in the boy's intellectual potential leads him to commit a small ethical lapse, the consequences of which the movie, based on a story by Ethan Canin, traces smartly and tactfully.

The New York Times

In order to facilitate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation at the receiver, after transmitting the three time-interpolated frames, the transmitter is kept silent during a small time lapse which allows for estimating the noise variance at the receiver.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Mr. Comey pointed out that Mr. Flynn may have lied to government investigators — as well as to the vice president, exposing himself to Russian blackmail — which would be no small lapse.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey the severity, consider adding additional clarification by using words like "inconsequential" or "critical" to emphasize the overall significance or negligibility of the lapse.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a small lapse". Ensure your description aligns with the actual minor significance of the error, preventing misinterpretations of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small lapse" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a minor deviation or error, often implying a temporary or insignificant failing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small lapse" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor error or temporary failure. As noted by Ludwig, it is often used to mitigate concerns by emphasizing the insignificance of the mistake. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various settings. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the specific area of the lapse and avoid exaggerating its consequences. Alternatives include "a minor error" or "a slight oversight", offering flexibility in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minor error

Focuses specifically on the mistake itself, downplaying any associated implications.

A slight oversight

Emphasizes the act of overlooking something, suggesting inattention or neglect.

A brief slip-up

Highlights the temporary nature and usually implies clumsiness or awkwardness.

A momentary failing

Emphasizes the temporary lack of success or effectiveness, often in the context of a task or challenge.

A temporary setback

Indicates a delay or obstacle, suggesting a disruption to progress or plans.

A fleeting imperfection

Focuses on the aspect of not being perfect, hinting at a transient flaw.

A negligible blunder

Highlights that the error made is so small that is practically without impact.

A minor transgression

Indicates a small violation of a rule or standard, often suggesting a minor breach of protocol.

A trivial misstep

Underscores the insignificant impact of a misjudgment.

A short period of forgetfulness

Specifically relates to forgetting something, either a detail or the train of thought.

FAQs

How can I use "a small lapse" in a sentence?

You can use "a small lapse" to describe a minor mistake or temporary failure. For example, "The project suffered "a small lapse" in funding due to an administrative error."

What is a good alternative to "a small lapse"?

Alternatives to "a small lapse" include "a minor error", "a slight oversight", or "a brief slip-up", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a small lapse" and "a major oversight"?

"A small lapse" implies a minor and often temporary error, while "a major oversight" suggests a more significant failure to notice or address something important. The former is less severe in its implications.

Is it appropriate to use "a small lapse" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small lapse" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a minor error or temporary failure. However, ensure that the tone and context align with the overall formality of the document.