a mild error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mild error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant mistake that does not have serious consequences. Example: "The report contained a mild error in the data analysis, but it did not affect the overall conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

M.H.: I mean, you know, there's every time there's a mild error, and really these are minor things, there's no proportion anymore the amplification machine goes into effect.

The New Yorker

And quadrupling how long they could stop the benefits of a jobseeker making a mild error (in 2012, the minimum sanction was increased to four weeks, rather than one).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mild errors of morphogenesis (MEMs) are findings of great importance in multiple fields because of their predictive value in identification of major malformations, specific genetic syndromes, mental retardation and childhood malignancy.

Annales de Génétique

Background. – The mild errors or morphogenesis (MEMs) are well known and accepted markers of alterations in embryonic development with predictive value in identification of major malformations, specific genetic syndromes, metabolic and psychiatric disease and childhood malignancy.

Annales de Génétique

As shown in Fig.  3, the dual diffuser stack produced a distribution that was slightly broader than the ideal Lambertian distribution (i.e., uniform scatter) and may represent a minor level of inherent measurement error or a mild, non-uniform illumination from the LED itself that was not completely dispersed by the dual diffuser stack.

BMC Ophthalmology

Therefore, we decided to compromise by only applying a mild correction of type I errors (Perneger 1998).

Behavior Genetics

25 (1984) 303, 32 (1986a) 143) to obtain an estimator of the coefficients under a mild conditional quantile restriction on the error term that is applicable to samples exhibiting fixed or random censoring.

Journal of Econometrics

This graph shows a mild trend that should make the American Civil Liberties Union happy, but changes from July are within the margin of error (54.2% (+4.3 / -4.4)).

TechCrunch

"Or a mild radish".

The New York Times

A mild collision.

The New York Times

Only a mild exaggeration.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mild error", ensure the context clearly indicates that the mistake is indeed minor and doesn't significantly impact the overall outcome or understanding. Avoid using it to downplay serious issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a mild error" to describe a situation where the mistake has significant consequences or leads to serious repercussions. In such cases, using the phrase can be misleading and undermine the severity of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mild error" functions as a noun phrase, where "mild" is an adjective modifying the noun "error". According to Ludwig, it describes a mistake that is not severe or consequential. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mild error" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a minor mistake or inaccuracy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects the error's insignificance to avoid misrepresentation. Be mindful of exaggerating the mildness to prevent undermining the severity of the issue. Alternatives like "a slight mistake" or "a minor oversight" can provide similar nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A slight mistake

Emphasizes the small degree of the error.

A minor oversight

Highlights the error as something overlooked or forgotten.

A trivial inaccuracy

Indicates the error is of little importance or consequence.

A small slip-up

Suggests a casual, easily made mistake.

A negligible fault

Implies the error is so small it can be ignored.

A forgivable mistake

Highlights that the error is not serious and easily forgiven.

A petty blunder

Suggests the error is foolish but ultimately insignificant.

A venial lapse

Indicates a slight or pardonable fault.

A superficial flaw

Emphasizes the error is only on the surface and doesn't affect the core.

A routine bug

Highlights the error as a common and expected occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "a mild error" to describe a mistake or inaccuracy that is not serious or consequential. For example, "The report contained "a mild error" in the calculation, but the overall conclusion remained valid."

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

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

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

Yes, "a mild error" is appropriate for formal writing, as it accurately conveys the minor nature of the mistake. However, ensure the tone aligns with the context and audience. In highly critical situations, a more direct term may be preferred.

What's the difference between "a mild error" and "a serious error"?

"A mild error" indicates a small, insignificant mistake, while "a serious error" suggests a significant mistake with potentially major consequences. The choice depends on the magnitude and impact of the error.