A small oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A small oversight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor mistake or error that has been made, often implying that it is not significant. Example: "The report was well-prepared, but there was a small oversight in the data analysis section that needs to be corrected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Surgical operations are so risky that most often a small oversight may lead to serious losses.

Mathematical Sciences

And then we discovered a small oversight: I was using the same toothbrush.

TechCrunch

When Android first launched in October of 2008, it seemed like either a small oversight or precautionary measure that the browser bundled with it wasn't branded as Chrome.

TechCrunch

Could we dismiss that as a cultural idiosyncrasy, a small oversight in their grasp of existence?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

House Democrats, meanwhile, appear willing to settle for the FISA court's having a smaller oversight role in approving the National Security Agency's surveillance procedures in advance.

The New York Times

William Rick Singerer made his name — and, prosecutors say, a fraudulent fortune — by peddling a bleak view of the college admissions process, one he portrayed as a minefield where one "small oversight or mistake … can make all the difference in your son or daughter gaining admission to the school of their dreams," as he wrote on the book jacket of his guide to applying to college.

Los Angeles Times

We see her clipping fresh vegetables in the garden, looking like a person who does not spend 24 hours a day worrying that some small oversight is going to result in the deaths of thousands of innocent people.

Huffington Post

Most software bugs are a result of small oversights by a programmer.

The New York Times

Forgetting the law of conservation of energy is no small oversight.

MIT Technology Review

The forewoman praised the lawyer's tactic, except for one small oversight: The lone person who did not look up to the courtroom door was none other than his client.

The New York Times

This is no small oversight.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small oversight", ensure the context clearly indicates the error's lack of significance. This prevents misinterpretation of the error's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a small oversight" to describe errors that have significant consequences. Always choose language that accurately reflects the scale of the mistake.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small oversight" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a minor error or omission. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small oversight" is a noun phrase used to describe a minor error or omission. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its frequency is rare, but it appears mostly in news and media contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase when the error is genuinely insignificant to prevent misrepresenting the situation. Alternatives include "a minor error" or "a slight mistake". Remember to consider the context and impact of the error before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minor error

Focuses on the error being insignificant in scope.

A slight mistake

Highlights the insignificance of the mistake.

A trivial slip-up

Emphasizes the unimportance of the mistake.

A negligible error

Highlights that the error is so small that it barely matters.

A minor slip

Indicates a small, easily overlooked error.

A petty lapse

Highlights the error as a momentary and insignificant failure.

A forgivable mistake

Suggests that the error is not serious and easily excused.

A venial error

Emphasizes that the error is pardonable and of little consequence.

A mere detail overlooked

Points out that it was only a detail that was not considered.

A small imprecision

Draws attention to the lack of exactness but on a small scale.

FAQs

What does "a small oversight" mean?

The phrase "a small oversight" refers to a minor mistake or error that is not considered significant or impactful. It implies that the error is easily overlooked or corrected.

What can I say instead of "a small oversight"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor error", "a slight mistake", or "a trivial slip-up" depending on the specific context.

Is "a small oversight" the same as "a major oversight"?

No, "a small oversight" and "a major oversight" are not the same. "A small oversight" indicates a minor, insignificant error, while "a major oversight" signifies a serious, significant error with potentially substantial consequences.

How to use "a small oversight" in a sentence?

You can use "a small oversight" in a sentence like this: "The report was generally accurate, but there was "a small oversight" in the data analysis section that needs to be corrected."