a systematic mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a systematic mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error that occurs consistently or follows a particular pattern in a process or system. Example: "The team identified a systematic mistake in their data collection methods, which led to inaccurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We are prone to a systematic mistake.

Huffington Post

As the half-life of ghrelin is short – approximately 15 min – a systematic mistake in the analysis was thought likely, but an independent, blinded laboratory confirmed our results.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Evidence in support of this theory includes the tendency of children to make systematic mistakes which indicate a tendency to impose rules on what turn out to be grammatical exceptions (eg, "I dided it" instead of "I did it").

The Economist

It appears that hands-on experiences solidified systematic mistakes about how an object's heaviness relates to its sinking rate.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Analysis of the HR opportunities during phase 1 revealed a recurrent number of avoidable opportunities and "systematic mistakes" in workflow practices including re-contaminations after HR and/or not performing the HR immediately before an aseptic task.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Furthermore, even a theoretically optimal decision-maker produced by natural selection is still expected to make systematic mistakes (Livnat and Pippenger 2008).

Animal Cognition

They make systematic mistakes.

The New Yorker

This "meta-bias" is rooted in our ability to spot systematic mistakes in the decisions of others — we excel at noticing the flaws of friends — and inability to spot those same mistakes in ourselves.

The New Yorker

Results of Experiment 1 revealed more systematic mistakes in the real-objects than the static-images condition.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Thus, hands-on experiences appear to have negatively impacted performance, leading participants to make more systematic mistakes when predicting the sinking rate of real objects.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Corporations and investors need to be open to the idea that organizations make systematic mistakes even in repeated high-stakes situations.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a systematic mistake", ensure the context clearly demonstrates that the mistake is not random but follows a discernible pattern or is inherent to a process.

Common error

Avoid using "a systematic mistake" to describe isolated or random errors. This phrase is best reserved for errors that consistently occur due to a flaw in a system or process. Use phrases like "an isolated incident" or "a one-time error" when describing random errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a systematic mistake" functions as a noun phrase, where "systematic" modifies the noun "mistake", describing a recurring or patterned error. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a systematic mistake" refers to a recurring error caused by a flaw in a process or system, not a random occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms that this is valid English, but its use is relatively rare. The phrase appears in both scientific and news contexts, making it suitable for neutral or formal communications. To avoid misuse, ensure that the error you're describing is indeed part of a discernible pattern and not an isolated incident. Consider alternatives such as "a consistent error" or "a recurring blunder" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consistent error

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the mistake.

a recurring blunder

Highlights the repetitive and clumsy nature of the error.

a patterned fault

Focuses on the identifiable pattern within the mistake.

a predictable error

Underscores the ability to anticipate the mistake.

an ingrained flaw

Suggests the mistake is deeply rooted within a system.

a habitual inaccuracy

Highlights the repetitive and imprecise aspect of the mistake.

a methodological error

Specifies the mistake originates from the method used.

a procedural defect

Points to a problem in the procedure that causes errors.

a widespread inaccuracy

Indicates that the inaccuracy is common or prevalent.

a structural deficiency

Highlights the mistake is caused by the structure of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a systematic mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "a systematic mistake" to describe errors that occur regularly due to flaws in a process. For instance: "The audit revealed "a systematic mistake" in the accounting department's data entry procedures.".

What are some alternatives to "a systematic mistake"?

Alternatives include "a consistent error", "a recurring blunder", or "a patterned fault". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "systematic error" or "systematic mistake"?

Both "systematic error" and "systematic mistake" are acceptable. "Error" is slightly more formal and commonly used in technical contexts, while "mistake" is more general.

What's the difference between "a systematic mistake" and a simple mistake?

"A systematic mistake" implies that the error is part of a pattern or system, whereas a simple mistake is an isolated, one-time occurrence. If an error happens repeatedly due to a flaw in a process, it can be considered "a systematic mistake".