a small inaccuracy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small inaccuracy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor error or discrepancy in information or data. Example: "The report contained a small inaccuracy regarding the sales figures from last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I would, however, like to point out a small inaccuracy in the accompanying text, which suggests that the last time I appeared on the list was 16 years ago.

The New York Times - Books

Even a small inaccuracy in the preprocess decisions may affect the output results dramatically.

Tribology and Interface Engineering Series

Nevertheless, a small inaccuracy of the keratometric K-readings cannot be fully ruled out.

BMC Ophthalmology

When the analyzed 3D structures correspond to remote homologs, mapping the 3D alignment to a sequence alignment is often tricky since a small inaccuracy in the 3D structure superimposition can lead to the assignment of a residue of a sequence with the neighbor of the true corresponding residue in the other sequence.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is important to be precise and methodical, as any small inaccuracies in the grid will distort your enlarged painting.

The Guardian - Arts

Monte Schulz cited a number of small inaccuracies, including a mention of a housekeeper serving dinner after she no longer worked for the family; an incorrect reference to his father hearing him lecture at a writer's workshop; and what Monte said was a ridiculously low estimate for building an ice-skating rink, which made it seem as if there were a more than a 1,000percentt cost overrun.

The New York Times - Books

We suggest here a design that yields the electrode overpotential with only a negligible ohmic contribution from the solid electrolyte bulk, is quite insensitive to small inaccuracy in the electrode positioning, and can serve as a standard configuration for electrode evaluation.

Solid State Ionics

Yet I noticed one small inaccuracy in the film.

The Guardian - Music

As the translator whose versions of Mandelstam she cites, may I correct one small inaccuracy?

The New York Times - Books

In his youth, he would stand in the stalls of the Paris Opera and rage against every small inaccuracy and embellishment.

The New Yorker

It is shown that probabilistic reliability can be very sensitive to small inaccuracy in the probabilistic model.

Structural Safety

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small inaccuracy", ensure the context clarifies the insignificance of the error, preventing undue concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a small inaccuracy" when the error has significant consequences; instead, opt for terms like "significant error" or "major discrepancy" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small inaccuracy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. It points to an error, but qualifies it as minor. Its usage, per Ludwig examples, spans diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small inaccuracy" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a minor error or discrepancy. Ludwig AI data indicates that this phrase appears most frequently in science and news media. When using "a small inaccuracy", it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the term's intent, meaning the inaccuracy is genuinely minor and does not significantly impact the information. Consider alternatives like "a minor error" or "a slight imprecision" to fit the specific shade of meaning. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate the degree of error while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor error

Focuses on the error being insignificant or not substantial.

a slight imprecision

Highlights the lack of exactness, emphasizing a deviation from a precise value or standard.

a trivial mistake

Emphasizes the unimportance or insignificance of the error.

a negligible discrepancy

Stresses that the difference is so small it can be disregarded.

a petty inaccuracy

Emphasizes the insignificance of the inaccuracy, portraying it as minor and almost inconsequential.

a minimal deviation

Underscores the small degree to which something differs from a standard or norm.

a minor lapse

Focuses on the mistake being a temporary or brief failure in accuracy.

a technicality

Implies the inaccuracy pertains to a minor detail or formal point.

a forgivable mistake

Highlights that the inaccuracy is understandable and does not warrant blame or criticism.

a venial error

Emphasizes that the inaccuracy is excusable and not considered serious.

FAQs

How can I use "a small inaccuracy" in a sentence?

You can use "a small inaccuracy" to describe a minor error or discrepancy in information. For example, "The report contained "a small inaccuracy" regarding the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "a small inaccuracy"?

Some alternatives to "a small inaccuracy" include "a minor error", "a slight imprecision", or "a negligible discrepancy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "a small inaccuracy" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small inaccuracy" is acceptable in formal writing as long as the context supports the use of the term 'small' to properly convey the importance of the inaccuracy. It's suitable for describing minor errors that do not significantly impact the overall understanding or result.

What's the difference between "a small inaccuracy" and "a major error"?

"A small inaccuracy" refers to a minor mistake with little to no significant impact, while "a major error" indicates a substantial mistake that can cause significant problems or misunderstandings. Choosing the right phrase depends on the severity and consequences of the error.