a slight error in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight error in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a minor mistake or inaccuracy in a specific context, such as a document, calculation, or statement. Example: "There was a slight error in the report that affected the final results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

8. Facebook came clean on a slight error in how it presented video view time on its platform.

TechCrunch

Facebook has come clean on a slight error in how it presented video view time on its platform.

TechCrunch

A wide range of suboptimal values around the optimal values may cause a slight error in terms of estimation accuracy.

Geoderma

A slight error in interpretation could lead to significant errors in dosimetric coverage of the target volume and possible overdosing of normal tissues.

Medical Dosimetry

There appeared little danger as he turned on a bouncing ball midway into the Norwich half, but Suarez detected a slight error in Ruddy's positioning and ruthlessly punished it with a dipping shot that crashed over the goalkeeper into the bottom corner.

BBC

He says "this is an exciting observation," but notes that even a slight error in the age determination--related to its brightness, from which its mass can be inferred--could push the mass of the object high enough to make it a brown dwarf: a "failed star" larger than a planet but not massive enough for hydrogen fusion to occur in the core.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The IRI model did not allow the distinction of anomalous periods in the ionosphere and showed a slight error increase in the first analyzed period (Fig. 6f) on 5 February 2011, for a slightly perturbed geomagnetic field, and in the second analyzed period (Fig. 7d) on 19 January 2013, for a slightly perturbed geomagnetic field, and on 25 January 2013, for a calm geomagnetic field.

Earth, Planets and Space

Curiosity had a slight error (250m) in its understanding of where it was as it entered the atmosphere, but two main reasons are being given for why it overshot the bulls-eye by 2.4km.

BBC

The reciprocating ledges help in ensuring contact even when a slight error of a few degrees is made.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

However, biological variations in electrolyte levels are so small that a slight error will cause patients to be misdiagnosed [ 9].

BMC Anesthesiology

There was a slight error on our signage.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a slight error in", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect contains the error. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight error in" when the error significantly alters the outcome or interpretation. Use stronger language like "a critical error" or "a major flaw" when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight error in" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It qualifies a noun, indicating that the noun contains a minor mistake or inaccuracy. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase precedes nouns describing various contexts, such as calculations, reports, or data.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight error in" is a useful phrase for acknowledging minor mistakes or inaccuracies in various contexts. It's grammatically correct and generally well-received, as supported by Ludwig AI. While it appears more frequently in scientific and news-related sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of situations. When using this phrase, ensure the error is indeed minor and that you specify where exactly it occurs to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a minor mistake in" or "a small inaccuracy in" can be used to provide different shades of meaning while maintaining the core concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor mistake in

Replaces "slight error" with "minor mistake", focusing on the aspect of a small fault.

a small inaccuracy in

Substitutes "slight error" with "small inaccuracy", highlighting the lack of precision.

a marginal error in

Replaces "slight" with "marginal", emphasizing the minimal impact of the error.

a negligible error in

Changes "slight" to "negligible", indicating the error is so small it can be disregarded.

a minimal error in

Replaces "slight" with "minimal", stressing the error's very small size.

a trivial error in

Substitutes "slight" with "trivial", suggesting the error is unimportant.

a modest error in

Replaces "slight" with "modest", pointing to the error's limited scope.

a mild error in

Changes "slight" to "mild", portraying the error as gentle or not severe.

a small lapse in

Uses "small lapse" instead of "slight error", focusing on a temporary failure or slip.

a minor oversight in

Replaces "slight error" with "minor oversight", highlighting the aspect of something missed or forgotten.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight error in" to indicate a minor mistake or inaccuracy within a specific context. For example, "There was "a slight error in" the calculation, but it did not affect the final result".

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor mistake in", "a small inaccuracy in", or "a marginal error in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a slight error in" or "a slight error on"?

"A slight error in" is generally more appropriate when referring to something contained within, such as ""a slight error in" the report". "A slight error on" is more suitable when referring to a surface or a specific item, like "a slight error on the test".

What's the difference between "a slight error in" and "a major error in"?

"A slight error in" indicates a minor mistake with minimal impact, while "a major error in" signifies a significant mistake that can have serious consequences. The choice depends on the severity of the error.