a total error of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total error of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete mistake or misjudgment in a specific context, often in discussions about assessments, calculations, or interpretations. Example: "The report contained a total error of fact that misled the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It yielded temperatures with a total error of about 4%.

Combustion and Flame

The detection method allows measurement of 14 MeV neutron yield with a total error of ≈18%.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

The reconstruction of the ice thickness based on bedrock elevation, MGO position and the floatation conditions thus is affected by a total error of 6.4 m.

Nature

This particular detection method provides the most sensitive approach for conventional CCB (Colloidal Coomassie Blue) stained gels, which is reflected in a total error of just 5% (RSD%).

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

Results indicate a total error of approximately 50%, which is comprised mostly of simple mapping error (incomplete spatial sampling) and a smaller contribution from space/time smearing.

Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography

He accused the Home Office of a "total error of judgement".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In agreement with international experts, we recommend a total error for neonatal bilirubin of maximal 10% of the reference method [ 7].

European Journal of Pediatrics

Only 58% of the all RN PCx measurements and 39% at low values (≤ 4 mmol/L) achieved a total error difference of 15% of the PG values.

BMC Pediatrics

A total of 95 errors were observed, yielding a total error rate of 1.62×10−3 errors per site (0.162%) for the reaction conditions used here.

Plosone

Six intubation ultrasound clips were misinterpreted, for a total error rate of 0.9%% (6/684).

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Similarly, nested RT-PCR by PfuUltra is expected to generate a total error rate of ∼7.54×10−5 per bp (i.e., one error in 13,263 bp), which was used to test for excess mutations observed in the cloned-sequenced RT-PCR products assuming Poisson distribution (Table S2).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting experimental results, clearly state the source of the "total error of" and the methods used to calculate it for transparency.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "total error of" simply means a single mistake. It often refers to the cumulative effect of multiple sources of error, including both systematic and random errors. It is important to perform a proper error analysis to prevent this misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total error of" functions as a quantifier describing the magnitude of an inaccuracy. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's commonly used in scientific and technical contexts to express the extent of deviation from a true or expected value.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

82%

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a total error of" is a grammatically correct way to express the overall magnitude of an inaccuracy, frequently found in scientific and technical writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to quantify the combined effect of different error sources. Its purpose is to clearly communicate the level of uncertainty associated with a measurement or calculation. While versatile, the expression is more appropriate for formal contexts. For more casual communication, phrases like "complete mistake" or "utter miscalculation" may be suitable. Ludwig's AI analysis highlights that this term is suitable and clearly understood in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete mistake

Focuses on the completeness of the error, implying nothing was done correctly.

absolute blunder

Emphasizes the severity and obviousness of the error.

utter miscalculation

Highlights that the error was a result of incorrect calculations or estimations.

gross inaccuracy

Points to a significant lack of precision or correctness.

major oversight

Stresses that the error was caused by failing to notice or consider something important.

serious flaw

Suggests that the error is a fundamental problem affecting the entire outcome.

critical error

Indicates that the error has significant consequences or impacts.

fundamental defect

Indicates that the error is a core problem.

serious mistake

Highlights the gravity of the error.

significant inaccuracy

Emphasizes the importance of the lack of accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "a total error of" in a sentence?

You can use "a total error of" to quantify the overall inaccuracy in a measurement, calculation, or estimation. For example, "The experiment yielded results with "a total error of" 5%".

What's the difference between "a total error of" and "margin of error"?

"A total error of" typically encompasses all possible sources of error, while "margin of error" usually refers specifically to the statistical uncertainty in a survey or poll.

Which is correct, "a total error of" or "an error total of"?

"A total error of" is the standard and more common phrasing. "An error total of" is less conventional and might sound awkward.

What can I say instead of ""a total error of"" when discussing accuracy?

Consider alternatives like "complete mistake", "utter miscalculation", or "gross inaccuracy" depending on the specific context and the nature of the error.