a one-time error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one-time error" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when referring to an error that happened once and not again. For example, "The mistake she made on her final exam was a one-time error; she has never made a similar mistake since."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The emissions scandal "proves not to have been a one-time error, but rather a chain of errors that were allowed to happen", continues the report.

The Guardian - Business

"This was not a one-time error, or a goof-up, or a mistake in judgment," Mr. Smith said in a news release.

The New York Times

"It proves not to have been a one-time error, but rather a chain of errors that were allowed to happen," Poetsch said in a company statement.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As such, it was an isolated, one-time error that did not affect any other client's data.

TechCrunch

Indeed, Bowerman (1988: 92) characterizes un- prefixation errors as "one-time errors" for which "learners do not have repeated opportunities to observe the way other people express this particular meaning".

Cognitive Science

Asked why the Council's chief of staff, Charles E. Meara, did not notify the Conflicts of Interest Board about Ms. Keaney's union calls, a Quinn spokesman, Jamie McShane, said, "Managers clearly have discretion when there is a one-time, self-corrected error".

The New York Times

Remember: when something goes horribly wrong (and it will; even they acknowledge that), it will be written off as a one-time only human error kind of thing, but it will keep happening over and over.

Vice

According to the defense, that scary number was a one-time fluke resulting from a clerical error when Mr. Snowden was given two new prescriptions for pills of a lower strength because his pharmacy had run out of the usual pills.

The New York Times - Science

For these filters, we assumed that errors occurred in a one-time process and were independent across genome positions allowing us to use the binomial probability distribution.

Genome Biology and Evolution

This is not a one-time effort.

The New York Times - Books

This is a one-time exemption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a one-time error", ensure the context clearly indicates why the error is considered isolated and not indicative of a systemic issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a one-time error" repeatedly to dismiss recurring issues. It's more effective when genuinely applied to isolated incidents, maintaining credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-time error" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a mistake that occurred only once. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's used to describe a singular, non-recurring fault. It often serves as an explanation or justification for an isolated incident.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a one-time error" is a noun phrase used to describe an isolated mistake, aiming to downplay its significance by emphasizing its non-recurring nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used to explain or excuse a fault, provided it accurately represents a singular incident and not a pattern of errors. Although uncommon in frequency, it appears across neutral registers in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, often to provide context or reassurance. When using this phrase, ensure it's genuinely applicable and not used to mask systemic issues. Alternatives like "isolated incident" or "single occurrence mistake" can provide similar meanings, but may carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Isolated incident

Focuses on the event as a singular occurrence.

Single occurrence mistake

Emphasizes the 'single' aspect of the mistake.

Unique error

Highlights the distinct and unrepeated nature of the error.

Non-recurring fault

Indicates that the error is not expected to happen again.

Exceptional mistake

Stresses the unusual nature of the error.

Unrepeated mistake

Directly points out the absence of repetition.

One-off blunder

Uses a more informal term for error, emphasizing its singularity.

Solitary error

Highlights the isolated nature of the error.

Anomalous fault

Uses a more technical term, indicating deviation from the norm.

Singular mistake

Focuses on the error being just one and not multiple.

FAQs

How can I use "a one-time error" in a sentence?

Use "a one-time error" to describe an isolated mistake that is not expected to recur. For example, "The data breach was attributed to "a one-time error" in the system's configuration".

What's the difference between "a one-time error" and "a recurring error"?

"A one-time error" refers to an isolated mistake that happened only once. In contrast, "a recurring error" indicates a mistake that happens repeatedly. Recognizing the difference is crucial for effective problem-solving.

What can I say instead of "a one-time error"?

Alternatives include "isolated incident", "single occurrence mistake", or "unique error" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a one-time error" in a formal report?

Yes, "a one-time error" is appropriate in formal reports when accurately describing an isolated incident. However, ensure that the report also addresses the underlying causes and preventative measures, if any.