a little error

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "a little error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a minor mistake or flaw. For example: "I made a little error in my calculations, but I was able to fix it quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It's pretty clear to me that there's a little error there," Mr. Abney said.

The New York Times

At times in the first half the Chelsea side looked a little error strewn and struggled to put the ball in the net frequently missing opportunities.

Independent

Either that or someone has made quite a little error.

TechCrunch

As we simplify the two wheels of robot in the same axis, there must be a little error.

Robotics and Biomimetics

"I think Froomey has made a little error there but it's all settled down now and they're all back on track.

BBC

"It was a little error in positioning, I've pulled at his shirt half-heartedly, the lad's made the most of it and I've seen red".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The results depict the strength regarding a very little error.

Computational Social Networks

One minute we're going through, but the next minute we've made a silly little error and lost 40 yards in territory," added Lewis.

BBC

The comparison has been done for two different wind turbines, evidencing a very little error between numerical data and experimental data.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

The Aug. 13 article on the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn makes a few little errors and omissions that I could not allow to pass.

The New York Times

Bumgarner, who lost a game along the way, in the Divisionals, on a little throwing error of his own, winds up at 4-1 for his October.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little error" to downplay mistakes tactfully, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Be mindful not to undermine the importance of accuracy or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a little error" to describe mistakes with considerable repercussions. Doing so can diminish accountability and create distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little error" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a description modifying the noun "error". The adjective "little" serves to diminish the perceived significance of the error. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little error" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase referring to a minor mistake or inaccuracy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to downplay the significance of an error across contexts like news, science, and general writing. While common, it's crucial to ensure the context matches the intent, and that the expression isn't employed to trivialize mistakes with serious implications. Related alternatives include "a minor mistake" and "a slight inaccuracy". Using precise language instead might be preferable in formal registers. This makes the phrase adaptable across a spectrum of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor mistake

Emphasizes the small scale of the mistake.

a slight inaccuracy

Highlights the lack of precision.

a small oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglect or inattention.

a trivial fault

Indicates the unimportance of the mistake.

a negligible flaw

Stresses how insignificant the imperfection is.

a minor discrepancy

Highlights a difference or inconsistency that's not substantial.

a small blunder

Indicates a careless mistake.

a tiny slip-up

Emphasizes the small and unintentional nature of the mistake.

a petty mistake

Highlights how insignificant the error is.

a technicality

Refers to an error that is minor and based on a technical detail.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a little error"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor mistake", "a slight inaccuracy", or "a small oversight" depending on the context.

How to use "a little error" in a sentence?

You can use "a little error" to describe a mistake that is not significant. For example, "I made a little error in my calculations, but it didn't affect the final result."

Is it appropriate to use "a little error" in formal writing?

Yes, "a little error" is appropriate for formal writing as long as the context aligns with the intention to describe a minor mistake without undermining the importance of accuracy.

What's the difference between "a little error" and "a big mistake"?

"A little error" suggests a minor and easily correctable mistake, while "a big mistake" indicates a serious error with significant consequences.