a forgivable lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a forgivable lapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor mistake or error that is considered acceptable or understandable in a given context. Example: "While the report had a few inaccuracies, it was ultimately seen as a forgivable lapse given the tight deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If occasionally Aubrey and Dave sound too much like grown-ups, it's a forgivable lapse.

The New York Times

Still, it's a forgivable lapse given the sheer bathos that he is obliged to wade through.

The Guardian - Books

Others cast it as a forgivable lapse in judgment and predicted he would eventually reenter public life.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Weisberg would occasionally overlook Stroman's birthday or turn up late for dinner — forgivable lapses — but after he almost drove her into oncoming traffic and lost important footage in an Avid editing suite, she took him to see a neurologist.

The New Yorker

(A forgivable diversion.

The Guardian - Books

It's a forgivable sin".

The New York Times - Arts

It could be a forgivable error.

The Washington Post

But that's a forgivable mistake.

Independent

"Overreaching" sounds like a forgivable sin.

The Guardian - Books

He mixed up the reporting date, a forgivable offense for an All-Star.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. O'Dowd said he thought that misspelling was a forgivable offense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a forgivable lapse" when you want to downplay a mistake, implying it doesn't warrant severe consequences. It is more appropriate in formal writing or when addressing sensitive issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a forgivable lapse" in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "minor mistake" or "small error" are more natural and appropriate for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a forgivable lapse" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'forgivable' modifies the noun 'lapse'. It describes a particular kind of error or mistake that is excusable. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts to soften the impact of criticism.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a forgivable lapse" is a noun phrase that describes a minor or excusable mistake. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and mainly used in news, media, and books to soften criticism. It is considered to have a neutral formality level. When using this phrase, remember that in more casual settings simpler alternatives may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a forgivable transgression

Indicates a deviation from acceptable behavior, but one that warrants forgiveness.

a pardonable mistake

Highlights the possibility of forgiving the error.

an understandable error

Highlights the comprehensibility of the error given the context.

an understandable oversight

Focuses on the comprehensibility of the error.

a pardonable offense

Indicates that an action can be excused or forgiven.

an excusable blunder

Highlights the justification for the mistake due to the surrounding circumstances.

a minor indiscretion

Emphasizes the small scale and triviality of the mistake.

a trivial error

Focuses on the insignificance of the error.

a venial sin

Emphasizes the excusability of an offense.

a slight transgression

Highlights the small scale of the deviation from the norm.

FAQs

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

Use "a forgivable lapse" to describe a minor mistake or error that is considered acceptable or understandable in a given context. For example, "While the report had a few inaccuracies, it was ultimately seen as "a forgivable lapse" given the tight deadline."

What's a good alternative to "a forgivable lapse"?

Consider using alternatives like "an understandable oversight", "a minor indiscretion", or "a pardonable mistake" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a forgivable lapse" formal or informal?

"A forgivable lapse" leans towards formal. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "minor mistake" are preferable.

When is it appropriate to use "a forgivable lapse"?

It is appropriate when the mistake should be minimized because it's relatively unimportant and it does not call for harsh criticism or consequences. Consider the impact and significance of the mistake before using "a forgivable lapse" to ensure it is suitable.