a careless error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a careless error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that was made due to a lack of attention or thoughtfulness. Example: "The report was filled with a careless error that could have been easily avoided with more careful proofreading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Google said the violation was the result of a "careless error".

The New York Times - Tech

He was determined not to let a careless error of judgment distract from a triumphant occasion.

The New Yorker

His failure to avoid the water was a careless error, something he found hard to tolerate.

The New York Times - Sports

I had two wrong answers on the math part of the exam (the other was a careless error).

The New York Times

There was no admission that in his earlier column, through a careless error, he had doubled the percentage of ethnically Chinese people living in Box Hill.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ambrose was contrite in his reply dated Sept. 26, 1970: "It was a careless error.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Teachers shouldn't correct a student's work where they have merely made a careless mistake, according to research – mark the error don't worry about correcting it.

The Guardian

The greatest Achilles heel I have had to overcome is how I react when people — myself included — make a forced or careless error: a failure of effort and common sense.

Stanford University

The notion of this as a "glitch" or careless error is a tough pill to swallow.

The Guardian - Opinion

This might be a careless mistake.

International Journal of STEM Education

In his appointments Corbyn is also getting stick for the lack of women at the top table (as on the podium at Saturday's special conference) which is a careless unforced error despite those refusals to serve.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When proofreading, focus on one aspect at a time (e.g., spelling, grammar, punctuation) to minimize the chance of overlooking "a careless error".

Common error

Don't assume that "a careless error" is always a minor issue. Consider the context; even a small mistake can have significant consequences in certain situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a careless error" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a type of mistake. It combines the adjective 'careless', describing the nature of the error, with the noun 'error'. Ludwig confirms this phrase is used to describe a mistake stemming from a lack of attention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a careless error" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a mistake stemming from a lack of attention, not a lack of knowledge. As Ludwig indicates, it appears across various contexts, from news media to academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, the implications of such an error can vary greatly depending on the situation. Remember to consider context and audience when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negligent mistake

Emphasizes the lack of due care or attention in making the error.

an inadvertent mistake

Highlights the unintentional nature of the mistake.

a thoughtless blunder

Focuses on the lack of consideration or thought before the mistake.

a preventable mistake

Highlights that the error could have been avoided with more care.

an oversight

A simple error or omission due to inattention.

a slip-up

An informal term for a minor mistake or error.

a lapse in judgment

Emphasizes a temporary failure in decision-making or reasoning.

a boo-boo

A very informal and childlike term for a small mistake.

an unforced error

An error that is not caused by the opponent's play, particularly in sports and in other fields of activity

a silly mistake

An error caused by foolishness, not lack of knowledge

FAQs

How can I avoid making "a careless error"?

To minimize the risk of "a careless error", take breaks during tasks requiring high concentration, double-check your work, and eliminate distractions.

What is the difference between "a careless error" and a deliberate mistake?

"A careless error" is unintentional and results from inattention, whereas a deliberate mistake is a conscious and intentional action.

What are some alternatives to "a careless error"?

You can use alternatives such as "negligent mistake", "inadvertent mistake", or "oversight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it more important to avoid "a careless error"?

It is especially crucial to avoid "a careless error" in situations where accuracy is paramount, such as legal documents, medical prescriptions, or financial reports.