a significant error in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant error in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a notable mistake or flaw in a particular context, such as a report, analysis, or process. Example: "The audit revealed a significant error in the financial statements that could impact the company's overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

A significant error in the figure itself is corrected by publication of a new corrected figure as an erratum.

Nature

During a state hearing in that case, Dr. Ward admitted to "a significant error in professional judgment," according to a transcript.

The New York Times

These two assumptions cause a significant error, in that they overestimate the multi-group effective cross sections, especially for 238U.

Journal of Computational Physics

Although the nonlinear relationship occurs only at high water saturations, neglecting this feature of the relative permeability curve can cause a significant error in the prediction.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Moreover, there is a significant error in the obtained dynamic stress intensity factors for applied impacts acting at the material surface and at the crack surfaces.

Composite Structures

Positrons, which scatter back from the target and annihilate in chamber walls near the detectors, may cause a significant error in annihilation parameters.

Applied Surface Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A model is proposed to account for migration in NPV resulting in a significant error reduction in the electrochemical concentration measurement.

Electrochimica Acta

The wet tropospheric correction (WTC) is still a significant error source in most altimetric products.

Remote Sensing of Environment

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] ManchuriaSIR – In a significant error, the map in your article on north-east China ("Rustbelt revival", June 16th) depicted China as possessing a coastline on the Sea of Japan.

The Economist

Authors have an obligation to correct mistakes once they discover a significant error or inaccuracy in their published article.

Springer

Jay writes: "You made a rather significant error in your column.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant error in", clearly specify what area or aspect contains the error. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant error in" for minor mistakes. Reserve it for errors that have substantial consequences or impact analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant error in" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies and characterizes a mistake or inaccuracy as important and consequential. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant error in" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to highlight a notable mistake or flaw. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from diverse sources, including science, news, and business, reveals its broad applicability. While often used in neutral contexts, careful attention should be paid to specifying the exact nature and location of the error and ensuring the significance is not overstated. Alternative phrases like "a major mistake in" or "a critical flaw in" can be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major mistake in

Replaces "significant" with "major", indicating a large or important error.

a critical flaw in

Substitutes "error" with "flaw" and "significant" with "critical", highlighting a serious defect.

a substantial inaccuracy in

Replaces "error" with "inaccuracy" and "significant" with "substantial", emphasizing a factual mistake of considerable size.

a notable defect in

Replaces "significant error" with "notable defect", focusing on a prominent imperfection.

a marked deficiency in

Substitutes "error" with "deficiency" and "significant" with "marked", suggesting a clear and noticeable lack.

a serious blunder in

Replaces "significant error" with "serious blunder", implying a grave mistake due to carelessness.

a gross miscalculation in

Replaces "error" with "miscalculation" and "significant" with "gross", emphasizing a large and unacceptable mistake in calculation.

a considerable oversight in

Replaces "error" with "oversight" and "significant" with "considerable", indicating an important mistake due to negligence.

a glaring omission in

Replaces "error" with "omission" and "significant" with "glaring", stressing an obvious and important thing that was left out.

a profound lapse in

Replaces "significant error" with "profound lapse", highlighting a deep and serious failure.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant error in" to point out a consequential mistake within a specific context. For example: "There was "a significant error in" the report's calculations."

What are some alternatives to "a significant error in"?

You can use alternatives like "a major mistake in", "a critical flaw in", or "a substantial inaccuracy in" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a significant error in"?

It's best to use "a significant error in" when the mistake or flaw has a notable impact on the outcome or understanding of a situation. It's not suitable for trivial errors.

What makes an error "significant"?

An error is considered "significant" when it has important consequences, affects the validity of results, or leads to misinterpretations. This is opposed to simple typos or minor discrepancies.