a narrow error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or minor mistake in a specific context, such as in calculations, assessments, or judgments. Example: "The report contained a narrow error in the final calculations, which slightly affected the overall results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Consistent values of the interface energy with a narrow error band are obtained, independent of the impact velocity.

Powder Technology

They followed the time course appropriately and remained within a narrow error band (Max. dev.: P O2 < 17 mmHg, P CO2 < 7 mmHg, S O2 < 0.01%).

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unlike the Heat, who had the luxury of an 82-game schedule to make adjustments, the Eagles, with 16 regular-season games, have a narrow margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

PSN showed high precision of triggering and cycling-off of pressure relative to the neural effort and centered 80%% of breaths within a narrow range of error (Fig.  2).

Critical Care

The Arrhenius-type plots give much narrower error bars with respect to the plots obtained with (5).

Chemistry Central Journal

The new value, 25.6−0.1+0.6 kcal/mol (298 K; 26.3 kcal/mol at 0 K), is 1 to 2 kcal/mol higher than previous recommendations and has much narrower error limits.

Combustion and Flame

There is a narrow window for technical error due to the delicate nature of the airway and its close proximity to the esophagus and major vascular structures.

Critical Care

However, insulin is limited by a narrow therapeutic window, frequent errors, a need for expertise and systems-based monitoring, and lack of specificity for metabolic abnormalities that occur during critical illness.

Critical Care

As the design of flow devices becomes more sophisticated, a narrower margin of error is required.

Computers & Fluids

From one point of view, perhaps a narrow one, there is an error of scale here.

The New Yorker

He has taken a narrow lead, within the margin of error, in three New York surveys, and he has an enormous lead of 36 points in Massachusetts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrow error", ensure the context clearly establishes the scale or degree of the error. Specify why the error is considered 'narrow' in relation to the broader situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrow error" to describe significant mistakes. This phrase suggests the error has limited impact and should not be applied to situations with major consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow error" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "narrow" modifies the noun "error". It describes the characteristic of the error, indicating its limited extent or impact. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a narrow error" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a mistake that is limited in scope or impact. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting alternative phrasings might be more prevalent. As seen in the examples, "a narrow error" appears in both scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies why the error is considered narrow. Consider alternative phrases like "minor mistake" or "slight inaccuracy" for enhanced clarity in certain situations. Use this phrase with the understanding that overstating the significance could be a common error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor mistake

Emphasizes the insignificance of the error.

a slight inaccuracy

Highlights the lack of precision rather than a complete error.

a small oversight

Focuses on the error as something that was missed or forgotten.

a negligible error

Indicates the error is so small it's practically unimportant.

a trivial mistake

Suggests the error is unimportant and easily disregarded.

a slim margin of error

Focuses on the acceptable range for mistakes.

a minimal error

Highlights the very small size or impact of the mistake.

a fine point of error

Emphasizes the precision and nuance involved in the error.

a technicality

Implies the error is based on a strict interpretation of rules.

a slip-up

Informal term suggesting a small and unintentional error.

FAQs

What does "a narrow error" mean?

The phrase "a narrow error" refers to a mistake that is small in scope or impact. It suggests that the deviation from what is correct or expected is minimal.

How can I use "a narrow error" in a sentence?

You can use "a narrow error" to describe a small mistake in a calculation, measurement, or assessment. For example: "The report contained "a narrow error" in the final calculations, which only slightly affected the overall results."

What are some alternatives to "a narrow error"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "minor mistake", "slight inaccuracy", or "small oversight".

Is it better to say "narrow error" or "small error"?

Both "narrow error" and "small error" are acceptable, but "narrow error" might imply that the error is limited in scope or range, while "small error" simply refers to the magnitude of the mistake. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.