a few errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few errors" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small number of mistakes or inaccuracies in a text or document. Example: "After reviewing the report, I noticed a few errors that need to be corrected before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few errors suggest haste.

The New York Times - Books

He found a few errors.

The New York Times - Health

It had quite a few errors in it.

Yale University

We found a few errors with Analog Devices' AD9822 datasheet.

Cornell University

The morning ended: no hits and a few errors.

The New York Times - Sports

A team comes in here and makes a few errors.

The New York Times - Sports

Amid all the fun, a few errors creep in, some more noteworthy than others.

The Guardian - Books

"I thought he made a few errors early and that was understandable," said Holley.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was just making quite a few errors for no apparent reason".

The New York Times - Sports

"I had a few errors in the first half," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Again, this is pretty difficult to do quickly without making a few errors.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few errors", ensure the context reflects that the mistakes are relatively minor and do not significantly impact the overall quality or understanding of the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "a few errors" when the mistakes are actually numerous or critical, as this can downplay the severity of the problem. Use more appropriate terms like "several errors" or "significant flaws" if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few errors" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a limited quantity of mistakes. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in describing the presence of errors in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few errors" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the presence of a small number of mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, but particularly prevalent in news and academic writing. When using this phrase, consider whether the mistakes are truly minor, and choose alternative phrasing like "some mistakes" or "minor mistakes" if a different nuance is needed. Avoid using "a few errors" if the mistakes are numerous or critical to avoid downplaying their significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some mistakes

This alternative is a more general term, simply indicating the presence of errors without specifying the quantity.

several inaccuracies

This alternative focuses on the lack of precision and correctness in the errors.

minor mistakes

This option uses a synonym and specifies that the mistakes are of little importance.

slight errors

This alternative uses an adjective to emphasize that the errors are not significant.

a handful of mistakes

This alternative is more informal and implies that the number of mistakes is small and easily manageable.

a couple of errors

This alternative is more specific about the quantity but retains the same general meaning.

some slip-ups

This option is less formal and implies that the errors were unintentional and easily made.

occasional lapses

This alternative suggests temporary failures in attention or judgment.

isolated flaws

This alternative suggests that the errors are not part of a larger pattern or problem.

a smattering of faults

This alternative suggests that the errors are scattered and not very impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "a few errors" in a sentence?

You can use "a few errors" to indicate the presence of a small number of mistakes. For instance, "The report contained "a few errors", but was generally well-written."

What's the difference between "a few errors" and "some errors"?

"A few errors" and "some errors" are quite similar, but "a few" suggests a smaller, more specific number than "some errors". "Some errors" can imply a larger, less defined quantity.

What can I say instead of "a few errors"?

You can use alternatives like "some mistakes", "minor mistakes", or "several inaccuracies" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a few errors" or "a couple of errors"?

"A few errors" and "a couple of errors" are largely interchangeable. "A couple" specifically means two, while "a few" suggests a small number, usually more than two but not many.