a small error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor mistake or oversight in various contexts, such as writing, calculations, or processes. Example: "After reviewing the report, I noticed a small error in the data analysis that needs to be corrected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A week ago, he apparently made a small error and tripped a security wire.

Los Angeles Times

This leads to a small error in the total exposure, per good time interval (GTI).

Harvard University

Though a seemingly logical move, Neff's 16... Bc5 was a small error.

The New York Times

This was a small error that proved to give away an overtrick; he should have pitched the club jack.

The New York Times - Arts

Even a small error in the estimated pose may cause the planned grasp to fail.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Kyushu Electric called it a small error and said that the automatic shutdown it triggered had gone smoothly.

The New York Times

And even when there is no sign of intentional wrongdoing, a small error can easily affect global markets.

The New York Times

However, there is a small error in that it states, "he got into Yale because of racial preferences... .....

The Economist

Even if you're not denied credit, a small error here or there can cost you more in interest.

The New York Times

But a small error of judgment, or rather, an effort that simply failed, should not be penalized.

The New York Times

The results indicate that our system converges towards a small error in the trust estimates distributed throughout the network.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical specifications or scientific results, quantify "a small error" with a numerical range or percentage to provide more context and precision.

Common error

Avoid overstating the consequences of "a small error". Ensure your language reflects its actual significance, especially in critical reports or analyses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small error" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "error". According to Ludwig, it is a common way to describe a minor mistake. It usually refers to a deviation from correctness that is not significant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small error" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor mistake or inaccuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you don't overstate the impact of the error and consider providing specific details or quantifications when possible. Alternatives like "a minor mistake" or "a slight inaccuracy" can be used for variety. Remember to address even small errors to maintain accuracy and prevent potential compounding issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor mistake

Replaces "error" with "mistake" maintaining the sense of a slight fault.

a slight inaccuracy

Substitutes "error" with "inaccuracy", emphasizing a deviation from precision.

a trivial fault

Emphasizes the insignificance of the error by using "trivial" and "fault".

a negligible mistake

Highlights the error's unimportance by describing it as "negligible".

a minimal oversight

Focuses on the error as an "oversight", implying it was unintentional and minor.

a petty flaw

Uses "petty" to indicate the error's insignificance, and "flaw" to suggest imperfection.

a modest slip-up

Refers to a "slip-up" emphasizing a casual, unintentional mistake.

a venial lapse

Highlights forgiveness regarding the error. Uses "venial" and "lapse".

a forgivable mistake

Directly describes the error's nature as easily excused, emphasizing mildness and acceptability.

a mere glitch

Presents the error as a "glitch", suggesting it is a temporary and easily fixed issue.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a small error"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor mistake", "a slight inaccuracy", or "a trivial fault" depending on the context.

How does the impact of "a small error" differ from a larger one?

While "a small error" implies minimal consequences, a larger error can lead to significant issues, requiring more substantial corrections and potentially causing greater disruption or loss. The scale of the error dictates the scale of the response needed.

Is it always acceptable to overlook "a small error"?

Not always. Even "a small error" can compound over time or interact with other factors to create larger problems. In fields like finance or engineering, even seemingly insignificant errors should be addressed to maintain accuracy and prevent potential risks.

What's the best way to correct "a small error" in a document?

The best approach depends on the context. For minor typos, a simple correction is sufficient. For factual errors, provide a clear and concise correction note, acknowledging the mistake and offering the correct information. Ensure all corrections are transparent and verifiable.