a slight miscalculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight miscalculation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small error in judgment or calculation that has occurred. Example: "The project was delayed due to a slight miscalculation in the budget estimates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Even a slight miscalculation, at the White House or the Capitol, could produce a devastating financial market reaction.

The New York Times

A slight miscalculation, or a glance up to enjoy the view, can easily result in serious injury.

The New York Times - Sports

As Hands explained in his property conference speech last year, he made a slight miscalculation at the outset.

The Guardian

As the drugs become more potent, the way they are mixed by middlemen becomes more crucial — with a slight miscalculation having possibly devastating effects.

The New York Times

A slight miscalculation from a keeper can mean a red card, a penalty, a need for a substituion and a suspension.

The Telegraph

You see, Google made a slight miscalculation in terms of the Events' privacy settings.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"He made a slight P.R. miscalculation with that one and it blew up".

The New York Times

According to Weiner, being part of a hyper-growth company is "like being a rocket in space". Just a slight initial miscalculation in strategy can become a serious problem further down the road.

Forbes

In Abu Dhabi, Webber's slight miscalculation meant Vettel could get half a car alongside him into the first corner from his inside starting position and after that he was gone, on his way to another dominant victory.

BBC

Sorry, no, slight miscalculation.

The Guardian - Business

It was his slight miscalculation that resulted in the escape tunnel being too short.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight miscalculation", ensure the context clearly indicates the area where the miscalculation occurred. For instance, specify whether it pertains to budget, timing, or strategy to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight miscalculation" to describe errors that have significant consequences. This phrase suggests a minor issue, so using it for a major problem undermines the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight miscalculation" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It is used to identify or describe something as having a small error in calculation or judgement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight miscalculation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor error in calculation or judgement. Ludwig AI confirms this and shows its utility across various contexts. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both professional and casual communication. When using this phrase, be sure that the context aligns with the minor nature of the miscalculation to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives include "a minor misjudgment" or "a small oversight", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest miscalculation

Uses "modest" instead of "slight" to describe the degree of the error.

a minor misjudgment

Replaces "calculation" with "judgment", focusing on the decision-making aspect rather than a numerical error.

a marginal error

Uses "marginal" to emphasize the small size of the error.

a fractional miscalculation

Uses "fractional" to denote that the miscalculation represents a small portion of the whole.

a small oversight

Shifts the focus to something being overlooked rather than a deliberate miscalculation.

a narrow mistake

Emphasizes that the mistake was not big and can be easily resolved.

a trivial mistake

Replaces "miscalculation" with "mistake" and uses "trivial" to denote insignificance.

a tiny error

Simplifies the language, replacing "slight miscalculation" with more basic terms.

a negligible inaccuracy

Focuses on the lack of precision and its minimal impact.

a forgivable error

Highlights that the error is small and can be excused.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight miscalculation" to describe a minor error in judgment or calculation. For example, "The delay was due to "a slight miscalculation" in the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "a slight miscalculation"?

Alternatives include "a minor misjudgment", "a small oversight", or "a marginal error". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a slight miscalculation" formal or informal?

"A slight miscalculation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a neutral phrase that doesn't carry strong connotations of either formality or informality.

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

"A slight miscalculation" refers to a small error with limited consequences, while "a major miscalculation" implies a significant error with potentially serious repercussions. Using the appropriate term is crucial for accurately conveying the severity of the mistake.