a minor error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small mistake or oversight that is not significant in nature. Example: "The report contained a minor error in the calculations, but it did not affect the overall results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A minor error relating to the rs63750847 variant in ref. 15 was corrected.

Nature

In a book review or essay, committing this particular fallacy is a minor error.

The New York Times - Books

He compounds his deception by claiming it is a minor error.

The New York Times

The obituary contains a minor error about his wife, who has been dead for fifteen years.

The New Yorker

In every forgery, he inserted a minor error or two, which "only a real expert" could recognize.

The New Yorker

Allow me to correct a minor error in Lore Segal's review of Paul West's "Rat Man of Paris" (Feb. 16).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is, however, a minor error-source, since the annotations in general are several times longer than a read length, and since the depth of the alignments always decreases rapidly outside of the annotation.

BMC Genomics

"That isn't true," said Hall. "It's a relatively minor error, because a lot of it is fat tissue, but it still isn't true".

Independent

A more minor error in the operation of the hotel was given by the office boy who handled the arriving guests with remarkable speed.

Wikipedia

We only found a few minor errors, when a contact record was available.

Harvard Business Review

Thanks to rule changes in amateur skating, they were able to return to Olympic competition in 1994 at Lillehammer, Norway, where they won a second gold medal despite a few minor errors in their routine.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor error", ensure the context clearly indicates that the mistake has minimal impact on the overall outcome. This helps to maintain credibility and avoid unnecessary alarm.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor error" to downplay mistakes that have serious consequences. Always assess the true impact of an error before characterizing it as "minor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and categorizes a mistake as being of little significance. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is valid in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor error" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an insignificant mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage. The phrase functions primarily to downplay the severity of a mistake, making it suitable for professional, neutral, and even some informal contexts. While it's important to use the phrase accurately, to avoid misrepresenting the true impact of an error. Semantically related phrases include "a slight mistake", "a trivial fault", and "a small oversight", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. Remember to assess the context carefully to ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight mistake

Focuses on the unintentional aspect of the error, emphasizing its small impact.

a trivial fault

Highlights the insignificance of the error in terms of consequences.

a small oversight

Emphasizes the accidental nature of the error, suggesting it was easily missed.

a negligible inaccuracy

Stresses the minimal deviation from correctness caused by the error.

a petty slip-up

Underscores the casual and unimportant nature of the mistake.

a venial transgression

Implies a forgivable or excusable nature of the mistake.

a forgivable lapse

Highlights the excusable nature of the error, often due to momentary inattention.

a technicality

Suggests that the error lies in a strict adherence to rules rather than a substantial mistake.

a mere detail

Focuses on the error being an insignificant element within a larger context.

a glitch

Indicates a sudden, temporary malfunction or error, particularly in technical contexts.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "a minor error"?

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

How does the phrase "a minor error" differ from "a major error"?

While "a minor error" implies a small, inconsequential mistake, "a major error" indicates a significant mistake that can have serious repercussions.

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

Yes, "a minor error" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a small mistake. However, always ensure that the tone matches the situation.

Can "a minor error" still have significant consequences?

While the phrase implies a small mistake, even "a minor error" can sometimes lead to unexpected or cascading effects. It's essential to evaluate the context carefully.