a trifling error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trifling error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that is minor or insignificant in nature. Example: "The report contained a trifling error that did not affect the overall conclusions drawn from the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a message to their family, Wilbur referred to the trial as having "only partial success", stating "the power is ample, and but for a trifling error due to lack of experience with this machine and this method of starting, the machine would undoubtedly have flown beautifully".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are trifling errors, but they are enough to cause a general sense of insecurity.

The New Yorker

This is not a trifling achievement.

The New Yorker

That isn't a trifling number.

The New Yorker

This is by no means a trifling or frequent gift.

The New York Times - Books

A pancreatic cyst-even a pseudocyst-is not a trifling affliction.

The New Yorker

Don't think that this is a trifling matter.

The Guardian

Cooking oil may seem a trifling expense in the West.

The New York Times

In one speech Vishinsky compared the new Three Power Disarmament proposal to a trifling, specious dead mouse.

The New Yorker

And Liza realized that her marriage could not be broken up by a trifling episode.

The New Yorker

Yet radical welfare reform will inevitably arouse far more opposition than a trifling cut in benefits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trifling error" when you want to downplay the significance of a mistake or emphasize its lack of serious consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a trifling error" when the mistake actually has significant consequences, as this can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trifling error" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "error". It serves to qualify the nature of the error, indicating that it is of little consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trifling error" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a mistake of little significance. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is usable in written English. While not particularly common, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Related phrases include ""a minor mistake"" and "an insignificant blunder". When using this phrase, ensure the error truly is minor to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minor mistake

Focuses on the mistake being small or not significant.

An insignificant blunder

Highlights the unimportance of the error.

A negligible oversight

Emphasizes that the error is so small it can be ignored.

A trivial fault

Uses 'trivial' to underscore the error's lack of consequence.

A petty mistake

Indicates the error is small and of little importance.

A slight inaccuracy

Highlights the small degree of incorrectness.

A small slip-up

Implies a minor and unintentional error.

A forgivable lapse

Indicates the error is easily excused due to its insignificance.

A venial failing

Suggests the error is pardonable because it's not serious.

A pardonable mistake

Emphasizes that the mistake is easily forgiven.

FAQs

How to use "a trifling error" in a sentence?

You can use "a trifling error" to describe a mistake that is small and unimportant. For example: "The project was successful despite a "a trifling error" in the calculations."

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

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

Is "a trifling error" formal or informal?

"A trifling error" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in writing than in speech. It is suitable for situations where you want to downplay the seriousness of a mistake.

What does "trifling" mean in the context of "a trifling error"?

In this context, "trifling" means insignificant, unimportant, or of little value. It emphasizes that the error is not worth worrying about.