a precious error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precious error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that has value or significance, often in a creative or learning context. Example: "In the world of art, a precious error can lead to unexpected and beautiful results, transforming a simple mistake into a masterpiece."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Time is a precious error detection instrument and often helps to alleviate the consequences of errors, but it is also the source of many errors in dynamic situation control.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A few precious errors later, Sock was down by two sets to one.

The New York Times

Jordi Gómez spared the blushes of Ali al-Habsi by completing a hat-trick in stoppage time, when it appeared that a calamitous error by the Omani goalkeeper would cost Wigan a precious home win.

The Guardian - Sport

A precious stone.

The New Yorker

That is a precious gift.

Independent

"I lost a precious soul".

The New York Times

Power is a precious commodity.

The New York Times

"They're a precious commodity".

The New Yorker

What a precious picture".

The New York Times

A precious city boy.

The New Yorker

What a precious Lady!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "a precious error" in fields where innovation and experimentation are key, such as art, science, and product development, to encourage a more forgiving attitude towards mistakes.

Common error

Avoid using "a precious error" too frequently, as its impact can diminish with overuse. Reserve it for instances where the mistake genuinely offers a significant insight or benefit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precious error" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "precious" modifies the noun "error". It describes a particular kind of error, one that has value or significance. Ludwig AI supports this.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Science

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precious error" is a grammatically correct but infrequently used phrase that positively reframes a mistake by highlighting its potential for value or learning. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. It is best employed in contexts where mistakes can lead to beneficial outcomes, such as art, science, or personal development. Although not a common phrase, its impact lies in its ability to transform perspectives on errors. Consider alternatives like "a valuable mistake" or "a significant blunder" for similar effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable mistake

Replaces "precious" with "valuable", emphasizing the worth of the error.

a significant blunder

Substitutes "error" with "blunder" and "precious" with "significant", highlighting the importance of the mistake.

a fortunate mistake

Replaces "precious" with "fortunate", suggesting the error led to a positive outcome.

a fruitful mistake

Similar to "fortunate mistake", but emphasizes productivity and positive results.

an enlightening mistake

Focuses on the educational aspect of the error.

a constructive error

Emphasizes the error's ability to contribute to improvement.

a golden mistake

Uses "golden" to imply that the error is extremely valuable or beneficial.

a blessed mistake

Emphasizes the lucky or fortunate nature of the mistake.

a critical misstep

Replaces both words to denote an important mistake.

a consequential fault

Highlights the resulting importance of the error

FAQs

How can "a precious error" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "In the world of art, "a precious error" can lead to unexpected and beautiful results, transforming a simple mistake into a masterpiece."

What is a good alternative to "a precious error"?

Alternatives include "a valuable mistake", "a significant blunder", or "a fortunate mistake", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a precious error"?

It's suitable when the mistake, though initially negative, ultimately yields a valuable insight, learning opportunity, or unexpectedly positive result.

Is "a precious error" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

No, it is not particularly common. It's more likely to appear in reflective writing or discussions where the value of mistakes is being considered.