a slip-up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slip-up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor mistake or error, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "During the presentation, I made a small slip-up when I mispronounced the name of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It was a slip-up.

The New York Times

It's just a slip-up".

The New York Times - Sports

It characterized the Merton Center incident as a slip-up.

The New York Times

"We lost last week, but that was a slip-up.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not a slip-up on their part".

The New York Times

"When I see it again I see a slip-up.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Was it a slip up?

Forbes

Perhaps that's just a slip up?

TechCrunch

If there is a slip up at any point the system throws it up automatically.

Forbes

"People were waiting for a slip up and Kazakhstan was a cataclysmic one.

BBC

It was likely just a slip up, something that happens at trial.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slip-up" in informal contexts where a less formal term for a minor mistake is appropriate. It's ideal for describing easily forgivable errors.

Common error

Avoid using "a slip-up" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional terms like "error", "oversight", or "mistake" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slip-up" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to a minor mistake or error. In many examples from Ludwig it suggests a minor and easily forgivable error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

10%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

15%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slip-up" is a common noun phrase used to describe a minor mistake or error, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it is best suited for informal contexts. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows its frequent use in news, media, sports reporting and general conversation. When more formality is needed, alternatives like "error" or "oversight" are preferable. Therefore, understanding the context is essential when choosing to use "a slip-up" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mistake

Replaces the more informal "slip-up" with a general term for an error.

an error

Similar to "a mistake" but can sometimes imply a more formal or technical context.

a lapse

Implies a temporary failure of judgment or concentration.

an oversight

Highlights the aspect of neglecting to notice or consider something important.

a misstep

Implies a mistake in judgment or action, often with negative consequences.

a blunder

Suggests a more significant and often embarrassing mistake.

a hiccup

Suggests a temporary disruption or minor problem.

a gaffe

Specifically refers to a social blunder or faux pas.

a glitch

Often used in technical contexts to describe a minor malfunction.

a boo-boo

An informal term for a minor mistake, often used in a lighthearted way.

FAQs

How can I use "a slip-up" in a sentence?

You can use "a slip-up" to describe a minor error or mistake. For example, "We lost last week, but that was "a slip-up"."

What are some alternatives to "a slip-up"?

Alternatives include "a mistake", "an error", or "an oversight", depending on the specific context.

Is "a slip-up" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a slip-up" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more professional terms like "error" or "mistake".

What's the difference between "a slip-up" and "a blunder"?

"A slip-up" refers to a minor mistake, while "a blunder" suggests a more significant and often embarrassing error.