a handful of errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small number of mistakes or inaccuracies in a document, report, or any other context where errors are present. Example: "After reviewing the manuscript, I found a handful of errors that need to be corrected before publication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The Raiders threatened to bite back quickly, but thwarted their chances with a handful of errors.

The Guardian - Sport

Some claimed that the "Climategate" e-mails and a handful of errors in reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had cast doubt on the integrity of the climate science underlying the endangerment finding.

Columbia University

Szczesny has become a regular fixture in Rudi Garcia's Roma side, although a dislocated finger suffered in a Champions League match against Barcelona and a handful of errors have hindered his time in Italy so far.

Independent

The unauthorized release last fall of hundreds of e-mail messages from a major climate research center in England, and more recent revelations of a handful of errors in a supposedly authoritative United Nations report on climate change, have created what a number of top scientists say is a major breach of faith in their research.

The New York Times - Science

Hawkins made only a handful of errors but 38-year-old Englishman O'Sullivan, chasing his third Welsh Open crown, was ruthless and made three centuries.

BBC

Critics, for example, have uncovered a handful of errors in the 2007 IPCC report, including a false assertion that Himalayan glaciers would melt away by 2035.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Using forward error correction a receiver can correct a handful of bit errors in the resulting message but too much noise will lead to incomprehensible output and hence a breakdown of the transmission.

Wikipedia

Elsewhere on day four, a handful of unscripted errors by Hope Solo helped Colombia to a 2-2 drawiththethe US women's football team, which nonetheless tops Group G to soldier on to the knockout stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Up, 40-15, in the fifth game of the set, Williams got a bit cute with drop shots and made a handful of backhand errors to give Lisicki the break back.

The New York Times - Sports

Mrs. Bezos also suggests that there are a handful of factual errors in my account.

TechCrunch

The trust's chief pharmacist Dennis Lauder said: "It's fair to say over the last five to 10 years there have been a handful of serious errors.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handful of errors", ensure the context makes it clear that the number of errors is indeed small. Avoid using it when the errors are significant in impact, even if few in number.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of errors" when the errors, despite being few, have major consequences. It can downplay the significance of the mistakes. For example, instead of saying "The bridge design had a handful of errors, leading to its collapse," use more direct language to reflect the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of errors" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It indicates a small, limited quantity of mistakes or inaccuracies. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase describes the extent of errors in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a handful of errors" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small number of mistakes. Ludwig AI analysis, along with numerous examples from reputable sources, confirms its broad applicability. It's important to consider the impact of the errors, as using this phrase may downplay significant mistakes. While generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "a small number of errors" may be preferred in certain settings. Be mindful of context to ensure accurate and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few mistakes

Replaces "handful" with "few", indicating a small quantity of errors.

a small number of errors

Substitutes "handful" with the more formal "small number", maintaining the meaning.

a limited amount of errors

Emphasizes the restricted quantity of errors, using "limited amount" instead of "handful".

a sprinkling of errors

Offers a more figurative way to describe a small scattering of errors.

a smattering of errors

Similar to "sprinkling", this suggests a sparse and scattered distribution of errors.

some minor errors

Focuses on the severity of errors, describing them as "minor" rather than emphasizing quantity.

several inaccuracies

Replaces "errors" with "inaccuracies", offering a slight shift in connotation.

a cluster of mistakes

Suggests errors are grouped together in certain portions.

an assortment of errors

Suggests different type of errors within same document.

isolated mistakes

Emphasizes the independence and rarity of the errors.

FAQs

How can I use "a handful of errors" in a sentence?

You can use "a handful of errors" to indicate a small number of mistakes or inaccuracies in a document, report, or any other context. For example: "After reviewing the report, I found "a handful of errors" that need to be corrected."

What phrases are similar to "a handful of errors"?

Similar phrases include "a few mistakes", "a small number of errors", or "some minor errors" depending on the context.

Is "a handful of errors" formal or informal?

"A handful of errors" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, "a small number of errors" might be preferred.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a handful of errors"?

It might be inappropriate if the "errors" have severe consequences, regardless of their number. In such cases, it's better to focus on the impact of the errors rather than minimizing their quantity with a phrase like "a handful of".