a mere miscalculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere miscalculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to downplay the significance of an error or mistake, suggesting that it was minor or unintentional. Example: "The project's delay was due to a mere miscalculation in the budget estimates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That the wind you just felt rustling across your nape was in fact a mere miscalculation of his swing and your mortality was thisclose to being sliced from your slender neck?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A miscalculation of a mere hair's width in any one of countless measurements might bring the entire arch to a lumbering stop.

The New York Times

A mere chardonnay, perhaps.

The New York Times - Food

A mere $1 billion.

The New York Times

Not a "mere" tweaker.

The New Yorker

A mere handful.

The New Yorker

Bloggers A mere marketing tool?

The New York Times

Now a mere 8,000 remain.

The Economist

The price: a mere £35m.

The Economist

Jim Trusdale was a mere acquaintance.

The New Yorker

They cost a mere $2,900.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere miscalculation" to downplay the severity of an error. It softens the impact of the mistake, making it appear less significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere miscalculation" when the error has significant consequences. It can come across as dismissive or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere miscalculation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound. It serves to describe an error or mistake, often with the intention of minimizing its significance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere miscalculation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to minimize the significance of an error. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples, primarily from news and media contexts. While versatile, it should be used judiciously, especially when the miscalculation's consequences are substantial. Alternatives such as "slight error" or "minor inaccuracy" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slight error

Focuses on the small size of the mistake.

Minor inaccuracy

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the calculation.

Simple mistake

Highlights the ease with which the miscalculation occurred.

Trivial error

Downplays the significance of the miscalculation.

Insignificant misjudgment

Stresses the lack of importance of the flawed judgment.

Small oversight

Indicates that the miscalculation was a result of not paying enough attention.

Negligible mistake

Underscores the minimal impact of the miscalculation.

Slight imprecision

Focuses on the lack of exactness in the calculation.

Marginal error

Suggests that the miscalculation is barely noticeable.

Modest miscalculation

Uses a more formal term to indicate the small scale of the error.

FAQs

How can I use "a mere miscalculation" in a sentence?

You can use "a mere miscalculation" to minimize the importance of an error, for example: "The project delay was due to "a mere miscalculation" in the budget estimates."

What are some alternatives to saying "a mere miscalculation"?

Alternatives include "slight error", "minor inaccuracy", or "simple mistake" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a mere miscalculation" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a mere miscalculation" might be seen as slightly informal. Consider using "modest miscalculation" in highly formal contexts.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a mere miscalculation"?

Avoid using "a mere miscalculation" when the error had serious or far-reaching consequences. It might be seen as downplaying the severity of the situation.