a miscalculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a miscalculation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an error in judgment or calculation, often in contexts involving decisions, finances, or predictions. Example: "The project's delay was due to a miscalculation in the budget estimates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This was a miscalculation.

The New York Times

That was a miscalculation.

The Economist

That looks like a miscalculation.

The Economist

But it's a miscalculation".

The New York Times

But a miscalculation could provoke more killing.

The Economist

For the Republicans, it's a miscalculation".

The New Yorker

That, however, would be a miscalculation.

Independent

"It was a miscalculation on her part.

The New York Times

This may be a miscalculation.

The Guardian

That looks like a miscalculation.

The Guardian

I think that was a miscalculation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "a miscalculation" to denote errors in forecasting, strategic planning, or estimations, particularly in fields like finance, politics, and science.

Common error

Avoid using "a miscalculation" when describing actions that are intentionally malicious or reckless. The phrase implies an unintentional error, not a deliberate act.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a miscalculation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies something as an incorrect calculation or judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a miscalculation" is a noun phrase used to describe an error in calculation or judgment. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. It serves to explain outcomes resulting from incorrect assessments. While generally neutral in tone, it's best suited for analytical and informative contexts rather than overly formal or informal settings. Remember to use it to describe unintentional errors, not deliberate actions. Consider alternatives like "an error in judgment" or "a flawed estimate" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a faulty calculation

Directly points out the error in the numerical computation.

an error in judgment

Focuses on the flawed decision-making process rather than the calculation itself.

a flawed estimate

Emphasizes the incorrectness of a preliminary assessment or prediction.

an inaccurate assessment

Highlights the lack of precision or correctness in an evaluation.

an incorrect prediction

Specifically refers to a wrong forecast or anticipation of future events.

an unfortunate misjudgment

Adds an element of bad luck or unintended consequences to the error.

a strategic blunder

Implies a significant error in planning or decision-making, with potentially serious consequences.

a tactical error

Refers to a mistake in executing a plan or strategy, often in a specific situation.

a regrettable oversight

Highlights the element of negligence or inadvertence in the mistake.

a serious lapse in judgment

Emphasizes the severity or significance of the error in decision-making.

FAQs

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

You can use "a miscalculation" to describe an error in judgment or estimation. For example: "The project's failure was due to "a miscalculation" of the market demand."

What are some alternatives to saying "a miscalculation"?

Alternatives include "an error in judgment", "a flawed estimate", or "an inaccurate assessment", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the miscalculation" instead of "a miscalculation"?

Both can be correct, but they imply different things. "A miscalculation" refers to a single instance of miscalculating, while "the miscalculation" refers to a specific miscalculation that has already been identified or is being discussed.

What's the difference between "a miscalculation" and "a mistake"?

"A mistake" is a general term for any error, while "a miscalculation" specifically refers to an error in calculation or estimation. "A miscalculation" implies a more specific and quantifiable error than just "a mistake".