a small oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

'a small oversight' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a minor mistake or error in judgment. For example, "My boss was not angry with me for the small oversight I made while preparing the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Surgical operations are so risky that most often a small oversight may lead to serious losses.

Mathematical Sciences

And then we discovered a small oversight: I was using the same toothbrush.

TechCrunch

When Android first launched in October of 2008, it seemed like either a small oversight or precautionary measure that the browser bundled with it wasn't branded as Chrome.

TechCrunch

Could we dismiss that as a cultural idiosyncrasy, a small oversight in their grasp of existence?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We see her clipping fresh vegetables in the garden, looking like a person who does not spend 24 hours a day worrying that some small oversight is going to result in the deaths of thousands of innocent people.

Huffington Post

Most software bugs are a result of small oversights by a programmer.

The New York Times

The forewoman praised the lawyer's tactic, except for one small oversight: The lone person who did not look up to the courtroom door was none other than his client.

The New York Times

This is no small oversight.

Huffington Post

Even as an estimate of the narrowest possible definition of nuclear weapons costs, the Pentagon's figure is far too low, since it excludes, among other things, the costs of maintaining and operating the arsenal -- no small oversight!

Huffington Post

Even small oversights "make my blood boil a little," he says.

Forbes

If you are not careful, even small oversights or errors you make can result in a more difficult and costlier divorce.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small oversight" to downplay errors and keep projects or reports moving. Acknowledging and immediately addressing minor issues prevents escalation. For example, 'The project was completed on time despite a small oversight in the initial data gathering.'

Common error

Avoid using "a small oversight" when the mistake had significant consequences. Misrepresenting the impact can undermine trust and create further complications. If it's more than just a 'small' mistake, acknowledge the actual impact and don't minimize its importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small oversight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in contexts where a minor error or omission is being acknowledged or discussed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small oversight" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that refers to a minor mistake or error. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its use in various contexts, primarily in news and media, with some occurrences in scientific and formal business settings. While the phrase is generally considered neutral, one should assess the situation where it is used to appropriately address mistakes without overstating the implications, especially if the mistake is more serious than originally implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minor error

Focuses on the mistake being insignificant.

A slight mistake

Highlights the minimal impact of the error.

A trivial slip-up

Emphasizes the insignificance and ease of correction.

A negligible lapse

Implies a momentary failure that is of little consequence.

A forgivable error

Indicates the mistake is understandable and easily excused.

A petty fault

Underscores the minor nature of the flaw or mistake.

An inconsequential blunder

Highlights that the mistake had no significant consequences.

A pardonable slip

Suggests the mistake is easily forgiven due to its minor nature.

A minor imperfection

Focuses on the flaw being a small deviation from perfection.

A small gaffe

Emphasizes the social awkwardness of the mistake, while minimizing its impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small oversight" to describe a minor error or mistake. For instance, "The report was accurate, despite "a small oversight" in the calculations."

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

"A small oversight" refers to a minor, easily correctable mistake, while "a major error" indicates a significant problem with substantial consequences.

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor error", "a slight mistake", or "a trivial slip-up" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a small oversight" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small oversight" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a minor error. However, consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase is suitable. In situations demanding extreme precision, a more specific term might be preferable.