a straightforward error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a straightforward error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that is clear and uncomplicated, often implying that it should have been easily recognized or avoided. Example: "The report contained a straightforward error in the calculations that led to incorrect conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Djokovic won the first set 6-2. Nerves are creeping into this: Djokovic makes a straightforward error but then Wawrinka returns the favour by slicing into mid-net.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But I think the charge of misogyny, etc., is just a straightforward category error.

The New York Times - Books

It can be a computer glitch – the recent NatWest/RBS system failure is a case in point – or just a straightforward human error, according to Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com.

Independent

A connection between Hamming codes and Heapsort is shown, namely, that they can both be derived, the first from straightforward error correcting codes and the second from a simple sorting method, using almost identical derivation processes.

Information Processing Letters

Swapping the world of crime at this point for life in air traffic control: I visualise the resulting system as something like the skies at Heathrow, where important but straightforward errors (misspelling of a name, garbling of a quote) can be quickly landed.

The Guardian - Opinion

After an eight-month inquiry into the sex abuse scandal at Southbank International school in London, where Vahey worked from 2009 to 2013, the senior barristerHugh Davies QC concluded Vahey's systematic abuse was the result of serious failures and "straightforward errors" by the leadership at the £25,000-a-year school.

The Guardian

Mr. Levinson said that another sore spot was the failure of a measure that was meant to spare homeowners from having to file formal protests over straightforward errors in their new valuations, like a wrong number of rooms or wrong size for the lot.

The New York Times

Using a relation issued from the force versus penetration depth diagrams, the estimation of these three contact force parameters can be reduced to the estimation of two independent parameters which roles are well defined and distinct; therefore this estimation can be accomplished with a straightforward trial and error procedure.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A straightforward trial-and-error approach has a high risk of being time and chemical consuming due to the large number of parameters to be optimized.

Nanoscale Research Letters

For ground-truth based localization error, a straightforward way to assess landmarking performances is to use manually annotated ground-truths.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Numerical results for wave transmission through a rectangular connector with linearly tapered thickness and constant width are obtained in a straightforward manner without approximation errors and at a low computational cost, irrespective of frequency.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a straightforward error" when you want to emphasize that a mistake was simple and easily avoidable. It implies the error should have been caught easily.

Common error

Avoid using "a straightforward error" too frequently, especially when describing complex situations. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "an obvious mistake" or "a simple blunder" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a straightforward error" functions as a noun phrase, where "straightforward" modifies the noun "error". Ludwig AI confirms its usability. This phrase describes a particular type of mistake that is easily understood or obvious.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a straightforward error" is a noun phrase used to describe a mistake that is easily understood and uncomplicated. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in various writing contexts. Although relatively rare in occurrence, it's primarily found in News & Media and Science sources. When using the phrase, aim to emphasize the simplicity and avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "an obvious mistake" or "a simple blunder" to maintain clarity and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obvious mistake

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of identifying the error.

a simple blunder

Highlights the basic nature of the mistake.

an easily understood mistake

Focuses on the comprehensibility of the error.

a clear oversight

Suggests the error was missed despite being apparent.

a basic fault

Implies a fundamental flaw or error.

a manifest error

Highlights the undeniable nature of the error, implying it is self-evident.

an uncomplicated mistake

Stresses the simplicity and lack of complexity associated with the mistake.

a plain error

Focuses on the error being straightforward and easy to see.

a transparent mistake

Emphasizes that the mistake is easily detectable and leaves nothing hidden.

a readily apparent error

Focuses on how quickly the mistake is noticed.

FAQs

How can I use "a straightforward error" in a sentence?

You can use "a straightforward error" to describe a mistake that is clear and uncomplicated, for example: "The report contained "a straightforward error" in the calculations."

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

You can use alternatives like "an obvious mistake", "a simple blunder", or "an easily understood mistake depending on the context".

Which is correct, "a straightforward error" or "an straightforward error"?

"A straightforward error" is the correct phrasing. Since 'straightforward' begins with a consonant sound, the indefinite article 'a' is used.

What is the difference between "a straightforward error" and "a complex error"?

"A straightforward error" refers to a simple, easily understood mistake. In contrast, "a complex error" indicates a more intricate or difficult-to-understand mistake.