a small mishap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small mishap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a minor accident or error that has occurred, often with a lighthearted or non-serious connotation. Example: "During the picnic, we had a small mishap when the cake fell off the table, but we all laughed it off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Normally I would have made a big production — "Give me a Grande Venti, I mean a Tall Grande, give me a Chai Super Venti Grande, or do I want a Short Frappe?" — and then, for punctuation, I would've had a small mishap at the milk station.

The New Yorker

The burn-through problem was treated as a small mishap by the media, and did not receive significant interest until after the Challenger disaster in 1986; the only major contemporary public criticism came from NASA's Soviet counterparts.

Wikipedia

"We thought it was just a small mishap and so, as usual, everyone went to the May 1 parade.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As so often happens on a racing boat, one small mishap led to a succession of horrors.

The New York Times - Sports

Not to worry, Kim Jong-un possesses the hearts of his father and grandfather giving him ultimate endurance and strength to withstand any small mishaps along the way… very few of course!" Little Dictator is far from the first game to spoof North Korea and its leader, nor is it the first to ring alarm bells within Apple's App Store approvals system.

The Guardian - Tech

The mood grows uneasy as they encounter a progression of small mishaps: a threatening storm, an overloaded hull, an accident near the start of the trip that sends a steady stream of water into the struggling boat.

The New York Times - Books

But the ginger-haired maestro didn't cover himself in glory with one small mishap when Juninho swung in a hopeful ball and found an unmarked Mike Magee on the edge of the box.

The Guardian - Sport

The rare, inevitable small mishap was jarring simply because the routines were otherwise so spectacularly well executed.

The New York Times

A minor mishap gave the day a final farcical twist.

The New Yorker

"That was a little mishap there," Woods said.

The New York Times - Sports

Today was only a minor mishap".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small mishap" to downplay an event, making it seem less significant than it might otherwise appear. This is useful in contexts where reassurance or minimizing concern is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a small mishap" when describing serious incidents or events with significant consequences. This phrase can trivialize the situation and come across as insensitive or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a small mishap" is to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a minor event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small mishap" is a noun phrase used to describe a minor accident or error. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and usable. Its primary function is to downplay the significance of an event, making it suitable for situations where reassurance or minimizing concern is desired. While its register is generally neutral, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid exaggerating the situation and to ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. Alternatives include "a minor incident" and "a slight accident".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor incident

Replaces 'mishap' with 'incident', suggesting a slightly more neutral or formal tone.

a slight accident

Uses 'accident' instead of 'mishap', implying unintentional harm or damage, however small.

a trivial problem

Focuses on the insignificance of the issue, highlighting its lack of impact.

a little difficulty

Emphasizes the trouble or challenge faced, albeit on a small scale.

a minor setback

Highlights the hindrance or delay caused by the event, keeping the focus on its limited impact.

a passing issue

Indicates the temporary nature of the problem, suggesting it will soon be resolved.

a mere slip-up

Downplays the event as a simple mistake or error, emphasizing its triviality.

a negligible error

Underscores the insignificance of the mistake, framing it as almost nonexistent.

a petty inconvenience

Highlights the bothersome nature of the event, but emphasizes its lack of real importance.

a fleeting hiccup

Uses 'hiccup' to suggest a brief and insignificant disruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small mishap" to describe a minor accident or error, such as, "During the experiment, there was "a small mishap" when the beaker tipped over, but nothing was damaged."

What are some alternatives to "a small mishap"?

Some alternatives to "a small mishap" include "a minor incident", "a slight accident", or "a trivial problem". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a small mishap" formal or informal?

"A small mishap" is generally considered neutral in tone. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it's important to ensure the level of formality aligns with the overall communication.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a small mishap"?

Avoid using "a small mishap" when referring to significant accidents, serious injuries, or events with major consequences. In these cases, using the phrase could trivialize the event and appear insensitive. Using more serious terms like "accident" or "incident" would be more appropriate.