a slight mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor error or oversight in a situation or context. Example: "During the presentation, I realized I made a slight mistake in the data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

If you make a slight mistake, the engine doesn't cancel it out.

Independent

A slight mistake made her lose her balance and fell off beam.

The Guardian - Sport

As a tactical move, the sturgeon showstopper may be a slight mistake, setting up unrealistic expectations.

The New York Times - Food

(To place it at the end is a slight mistake. It was the centerpiece at a Berkeley, Calif., performance this month).

The New York Times - Arts

"I made a slight mistake at the start because the clutch slipped out of my hands before the red light switched off," said Maldonado.

The New York Times - Sports

"It wasn't so much nerves, I don't know what happened to be honest, there was a slight mistake but I'm glad I managed to recover it".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

At that velocity, though, any slight mistake in a swing of the arm or strike of the foot can make a significant difference, Pfaff said.

The New York Times - Sports

People with this syndrome hone in on any slight mistake they might make and downplay or brush off their accomplishments.

Huffington Post

Otherwise, any slight mistake made to the registry will make your system not able to work properly or even crash.

WikiHow

Unfortunately, a slight misunderstanding leads her to make an embarrassing mistake.

BBC

She will be happy to know you were able to involve your children, especially if you are patient and don't yell or be grumpy, and it might make up for any slight mistakes you make.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight mistake", ensure the context clearly indicates the mistake's lack of significance. It's best suited for situations where downplaying the error is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight mistake" when the error had significant consequences. Using it in such cases can undermine your credibility and appear dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight mistake" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an instance where an error has occurred, but emphasizes its minor nature. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatile usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

17%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight mistake" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to acknowledge an error while diminishing its importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse situations. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for professional, news, and general contexts, although it's less frequent in highly formal or academic settings. To ensure effective communication, be mindful of the potential impact of the error and avoid using this phrase when a more serious assessment is warranted. Remember to consider the alternatives, such as "a minor error" or "a small oversight", to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor error

Replaces "slight" with "minor", emphasizing the small degree of the error.

a small oversight

Substitutes "mistake" with "oversight", highlighting the unintentional nature of the error.

a trivial fault

Uses "trivial fault" to indicate the insignificance of the mistake.

a negligible blunder

Replaces both "slight" and "mistake" with synonyms emphasizing unimportance.

a forgivable slip-up

Focuses on the excusable nature of the mistake, using "slip-up" as a more casual term.

a momentary lapse

Highlights the temporary nature of the error, suggesting a brief lack of attention.

a minor imperfection

Shifts the focus to the lack of perfection, rather than a direct error.

a small miscalculation

Specific to situations involving calculations, emphasizing a minor error in computation.

a tiny slip

Uses more informal terms to convey the insignificance of the error.

a venial error

Uses "venial" to describe an error that is easily forgiven or excused; often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight mistake" to refer to a minor error or oversight. For instance, "I made "a slight mistake" in the calculations, but it didn't affect the final result".

What are some alternatives to "a slight mistake"?

Alternatives include "a minor error", "a small oversight", or "a trivial fault". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight mistake" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight mistake" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when you need to acknowledge an error without overemphasizing its importance. However, more formal alternatives like "a venial error" might be more suitable in some contexts.

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

"A slight mistake" refers to a small, inconsequential error, while "a major error" indicates a significant mistake with serious consequences. The choice between them depends on the severity of the error you're describing.