a litany of errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a litany of errors' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a long list of problems, mistakes, or failures. For example, "His poor planning led to a litany of errors that ultimately cost him the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They wrote in court filings that the old lawyers' performance was "abysmal," "shameful" and "marked by a litany of errors".

The New York Times

Well, it is widely thought that Romney's political advisers aren't the brightest bulbs — his entire campaign has been a litany of errors.

The New Yorker

The board of Marks & Spencer, the struggling retailer, was in penitent mood yesterday as directors admitted a litany of errors and a further fall in overall sales.

The Guardian - Business

The report, seen by the Guardian, is "deeply confused and deeply misleading" and a "litany of errors and false assumptions, clearly written ultimately as a disinformation tool", according to two financial experts.

The Guardian

When Dread Pirate Roberts, the founder of the Silk Road, was arrested, the criminal complaint revealed a litany of errors, including asking for coding advice under his real name.

The Guardian - Tech

The panel's 500-page report chronicled what amounted to a litany of errors and blunders at nearly every level of law enforcement in Norway, a country that was traumatized by the scale and audacity of the attacks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Dewani's trial exposed a litany of basic errors.

The Guardian

The creditors say that Ernst & Young blessed a litany of accounting errors by Tower.

Forbes

That is why "Manchester by the Sea" becomes a litany of human error, with the tragic parts nicked and grazed by semi-comedy.

The New Yorker

"Manchester by the Sea" In a review in the magazine, Anthony Lane described Kenneth Lonergan's film, starring Casey Affleck as an emotionally devastated New England man, as "a litany of human error, with the tragic parts nicked and grazed by semi-comedy".

The New Yorker

Interviewees could relate a litany of human error that occurs in everyday farming practice.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a litany of errors", ensure that the context clearly indicates the numerous and varied nature of the mistakes. This phrase is most effective when the errors have significant consequences or are part of a larger problem.

Common error

Avoid using "a litany of errors" to describe minor or insignificant mistakes. This phrase carries a strong connotation of severity and should be reserved for situations where the errors are substantial and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a litany of errors" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It refers to a long and often tedious list of mistakes or failures. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a litany of errors" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to describe a large number of mistakes or failures. As Ludwig confirms, it is generally used in neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports and analytical writing. The phrase serves to express disapproval or concern, emphasizing the severity and extent of the problems at hand. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "a series of mistakes" or "a catalog of blunders" to achieve a nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of mistakes

Replaces "litany" with "series", focusing on a sequential occurrence of mistakes.

a catalog of blunders

Substitutes "litany" with "catalog" and "errors" with "blunders", suggesting a comprehensive listing of significant mistakes.

a collection of faults

Replaces "litany" with "collection" and "errors" with "faults", indicating an accumulation of imperfections or shortcomings.

a multitude of inaccuracies

Changes "litany" to "multitude" and "errors" to "inaccuracies", emphasizing a large number of imprecise or incorrect details.

an array of oversights

Replaces "litany" with "array" and "errors" with "oversights", highlighting a range of unintentional failures to notice or do something.

a string of lapses

Substitutes "litany" with "string" and "errors" with "lapses", focusing on a connected sequence of temporary failures or deviations.

a compilation of slip-ups

Changes "litany" to "compilation" and "errors" to "slip-ups", indicating a gathered collection of minor mistakes or accidental errors.

a chain of gaffes

Replaces "litany" with "chain" and "errors" with "gaffes", highlighting a connected series of social blunders or tactless acts.

a heap of missteps

Substitutes "litany" with "heap" and "errors" with "missteps", emphasizing a large quantity of clumsy or ill-judged actions.

a batch of defects

Replaces "litany" with "batch" and "errors" with "defects", focusing on a set of flaws or imperfections.

FAQs

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

You can use "a litany of errors" to describe numerous mistakes or failures, such as: "The company's financial report revealed "a litany of errors" in its accounting practices."

What's a good alternative to "a litany of errors"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a series of mistakes", "a catalog of blunders", or "a multitude of inaccuracies".

Is it appropriate to use "a litany of errors" in formal writing?

Yes, "a litany of errors" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a significant number of mistakes or failures in a professional or academic context.

What is the difference between "a litany of errors" and "some errors"?

"A litany of errors" implies a large and often troubling number of mistakes, while "some errors" simply indicates the presence of a few mistakes without emphasizing the quantity or severity.