a potential error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potential error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of an error occurring in a process, analysis, or system. Example: "During the review, we identified a potential error in the calculations that could affect the final results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But if patients fell because they were sedated with medications so their balance was impaired, that may be a potential error.

The New York Times - Science

But if a potential error in a transcript were brought to her attention, she said, she would check the raw notes that her stenograph produced while she was typing to see if her official, edited transcript was correct.

The New York Times

First, they locate a potential error in the model by clicking on the erroneous model construct.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

This representation of a potential error will result in a more effective service interaction.

SOA and Web Services Interface Design Principles, Techniques, and Standards

Luke Donald faced an anxious wait as officials investigated a potential error on his scorecard that could have seen him disqualified from the Masters.

BBC

The FRE is also a potential error source in radiocarbon dating of pottery from coastal sites, where a predominance of marine resources would be expected.

Heritage Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Results based on smaller sub-groups have a larger potential error.

The New York Times

defer.add img); Click "Save & Next" to save the word and move on to a new potential error.

WikiHow

But if she was aware of an imminent potential error, she intervened to prevent it.

BMC Health Services Research

Was there a known or potential error rate?

The New Yorker

Not only would this level the playing field for all test-takers, it would dramatically diminish test anxiety as a source of potential error.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing risk assessment, use "a potential error" to highlight areas needing careful monitoring or preventive action.

Common error

Avoid using "a potential error" when evidence suggests the error is highly probable or has already occurred; in such cases, use "the error" or "the mistake" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potential error" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a possible mistake or problem. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to highlight areas where errors could occur, prompting closer inspection or corrective actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a potential error" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote the possibility of a mistake. Ludwig AI affirms its usability. It frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, signaling caution and prompting investigation. While alternatives like "a possible mistake" exist, "a potential error" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers. It is important to note contexts where "a potential error" may be an understatement if the error is highly probable or is already an actual fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a possible mistake

Replaces "error" with a more general term, implying less severity.

a likely error

Emphasizes the probability of the error occurring.

a prospective error

Suggests an error that might occur in the future.

a suspected error

Indicates that an error is believed to exist but not yet confirmed.

a conceivable error

Highlights that an error is within the realm of possibility.

a plausible error

Suggests the error is believable or reasonable given the circumstances.

a latent error

Refers to an error that exists but is not yet apparent or active.

an impending error

Indicates an error that is about to happen.

a looming error

Similar to impending, but conveys a sense of threat or concern.

a hidden flaw

Shifts the focus from the action of making an error to the existence of an underlying problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a potential error" to indicate the possibility of a mistake or flaw in a system, process, or calculation. For example: "The audit revealed "a potential error" in the financial statements."

What are some alternatives to "a potential error"?

Alternatives include "a possible mistake", "a likely error", or "a suspected error", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a potential error" or "potential errors"?

The choice depends on whether you're referring to a single possible mistake or multiple possible mistakes. Use "a potential error" for a single instance and "potential errors" for multiple instances.

What's the difference between "a potential error" and "a known error"?

"A potential error" refers to a mistake that might exist but hasn't been confirmed, while "a known error" refers to a mistake that has been identified and verified.