a minor mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or insignificant error in various contexts, such as writing, speaking, or performing tasks. Example: "Although there was a minor mistake in the report, the overall analysis was still accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

We finished second by a minor mistake by Rooney.

Independent

The Guatemala matter was not a minor mistake.

The New York Times

He brought, he said, a document that corrected a minor mistake.

The Guardian - Books

It is also a minor mistake to show the audience the attack on Scout near the end.

The New York Times

"He's as dominant as anybody in the game, you just hope he makes a minor mistake or you don't have a chance," Wright said of Kimbrel.

The New York Times - Sports

"You just got to hope he makes a minor mistake, or really, you don't have much of a chance," Wright said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

When Woods could not retrieve his original tee shot at No. 2, however, a potentially minor mistake became a major one.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Mandel denied city regulators' contentions that there had been serious problems in bracing the beams and said that one collapse occurred because of a relatively minor mistake by a worker.

The New York Times

Getting the dates wrong on an email is a relatively minor mistake, but I still feel annoyed with myself.

Huffington Post

Catastrophising Believing in the worst-case scenario as a result of trauma in the past – for instance, a person who has experienced domestic violence might believe that when they make a very minor mistake at work, their boss will fire them.

Independent

"I can't tell you how many times I've been yelled or cursed at for making a very minor mistake at work and how much that affects my attitude for the rest of the shift," Will said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When acknowledging "a minor mistake", focus on corrective actions and future prevention, rather than dwelling on blame.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "a minor mistake". Acknowledging it is important, but overemphasizing it can create unnecessary anxiety or distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor mistake" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Examples demonstrate its role in describing small errors or oversights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minor mistake" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a small error. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, serving to acknowledge errors while minimizing their importance. When using the phrase, it's crucial to focus on solutions and avoid exaggerating the mistake's impact. Consider alternatives like "a small mistake" or "a slight error" to fine-tune the message based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A little mistake

Emphasizes the small impact of the error.

A slight mistake

Highlights the minimal degree of the error.

A trivial mistake

Underscores the insignificance of the error.

A small mistake

Indicates a mistake of reduced size or impact.

A minor error

Uses a more formal term for mistake, suggesting a slight deviation from correctness.

A negligible mistake

Emphasizes that the mistake is not worth considering.

An insignificant mistake

Stresses the lack of importance of the mistake.

A pardonable mistake

Implies the mistake is easily forgiven.

A forgivable mistake

Similar to "pardonable mistake", but emphasizes the act of forgiving.

A slip-up

Informal term for a small and unintentional mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "a minor mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "a minor mistake" to describe a small error, like, "The project was successful, despite "a minor mistake" in the data analysis."

What are some synonyms for "a minor mistake"?

Alternatives include "a small error", "a slight oversight", or "a trivial error". Choose the one that best fits the context.

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

Yes, the phrase "a minor mistake" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise language if possible. For example, specify the type of mistake.

What's the difference between "a minor mistake" and "a major mistake"?

"A minor mistake" refers to a small, insignificant error, while "a major mistake" indicates a serious error with significant consequences. It is important to properly evaluate the impact of the mistake.