a negligent error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a negligent error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that results from carelessness or a lack of attention. Example: "The report was rejected due to a negligent error in the calculations that could have been easily avoided."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In reviewing this case, the Supreme Court will decide whether the deterrent effect of excluding evidence obtained as a result of negligent error by law enforcement personnel outweighs the costs of excluding such evidence, or whether the good faith exception to the exclusionary rule should be extended.

Cornell University

A substandard medicine is a medicine that does not meet the regulator standards due to an unintentional or negligent error.

BMJ Open

Similarly, the deterrence value of applying the exclusionary rule to negligent errors by clerical personnel, who view their role as record keepers rather than investigators of crime, will be negligible.

Cornell University

Substandard medicines are caused by unintentional or negligent errors of manufacturing or by degradation after manufacturing resulting in insufficient API, poor dissolution properties, or degradation products.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

In law, a key distinction is between negligent and non-negligent errors.

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics

"Was there a negligent homicide?

The New York Times

It was not a negligent landlord.

The New York Times

Was a negligent employee circulating non-state-sanctioned news?

The New York Times

Critics, however, have called him a negligent coward.

Independent

A physician who makes a negligent decision can be sued.

The New York Times

What can you do about a negligent landlord?

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a negligent error", ensure the context clearly indicates that the error resulted from a lack of reasonable care or attention. This distinguishes it from errors that occur despite best efforts or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "a negligent error" for trivial mistakes. Reserve it for situations where the error had significant consequences or reflects a serious lack of responsibility. Minor mistakes are better described as "small mistakes" or "minor errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a negligent error" functions as a noun phrase, where "negligent" is an adjective modifying the noun "error". It identifies a specific type of mistake characterized by a lack of due care or attention. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a negligent error" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe a mistake resulting from a lack of due care or attention. Although Ludwig confirms its correctness, it is considered rare. Its usage spans various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using the phrase, consider the severity of the mistake and ensure the context clearly indicates negligence as the cause. Alternatives such as "a careless mistake" or "an oversight" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a careless mistake

Focuses on the lack of care as the primary cause of the error.

an inadvertent mistake

Emphasizes the unintentional nature of the error.

an oversight

Highlights the failure to notice or consider something important.

a lapse in judgment

Suggests a temporary failure to think clearly or make a good decision.

a preventable error

Indicates that the error could have been avoided with proper precautions.

a dereliction of duty

Implies a failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations.

a reckless blunder

Combines carelessness with a significant and damaging mistake.

a failure of due diligence

Specifically points out the lack of thoroughness and careful investigation.

a slip-up

An informal term for a minor error or mistake.

a boo-boo

A very informal and childish term for a mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "a negligent error" to describe a mistake that occurred due to carelessness or a lack of attention to detail. For example, "The project failed due to "a negligent error" in the planning phase.".

What are some alternatives to "a negligent error"?

Alternatives to "a negligent error" include "a careless mistake", "an oversight", or "a lapse in judgment", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "negligent mistake" or "negligent error"?

Both "negligent mistake" and "negligent error" are grammatically correct. However, ""a negligent error"" might be slightly more common in formal writing, while "negligent mistake" can sound more natural in conversation. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What distinguishes "a negligent error" from a simple mistake?

"A negligent error" specifically implies that the mistake was caused by a lack of reasonable care or attention. A simple mistake might occur even when someone is being careful, while "a negligent error" indicates a failure to exercise due diligence.