acceptable margin of error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acceptable margin of error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving statistics, research, or quality control where a certain level of error is permissible. Example: "In our survey results, we found an acceptable margin of error of 5%, which allows us to confidently interpret the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"For years, we've regarded these as an acceptable margin of error," he said.

The New York Times

And where this subject is concerned, there is, she notes, "no publicly acceptable margin of error".

The Guardian

When they were subsequently measured, the cylinder's contents were deemed to be correct within an acceptable margin of error.

The Economist

A perfectly normal comment to make were it not for the fact it is a measly one minute past the hour we agreed to meet – surely within anybody's acceptable margin of error.

The Guardian - Film

Speaking at a news conference, Mr. Shiroya said those calculations were complex, and it was only recently that researchers had been able to narrow down the amount to within an acceptable margin of error.

The New York Times

It is often more desirable to return an approximate result with an acceptable margin of error quickly than waiting for the exact calculation for a long time.

Data Science and Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The present numerical work also predicts the pressure drops and the heat transfer coefficients within an acceptable margin of errors.

Energy Conversion and Management

Both 2.8% and 9.5% are acceptable margin of errors.

BMC Public Health

The coatings have similar properties and thicknesses, with small differences causing variations wholly within acceptable margins of error.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Analysis of total concentrations of iAs in drinking water in the present study was based on established analytical chemistry techniques, and the QA/QC program demonstrated that measured concentrations of iAs were within acceptable margins of error.

Environmental Health Perspectives

But in this recession, the acceptable margin for error is zero.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting statistical results, always specify the "acceptable margin of error" to provide context for the reliability of the findings.

Common error

Avoid using "acceptable margin of error" without specifying what that margin actually is. Saying 'the results are within an acceptable margin of error' is meaningless unless you state the specific percentage or range.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acceptable margin of error" primarily functions as a noun phrase specifying the degree of error deemed tolerable in a given context. It is commonly used in statistical analysis and quality control, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acceptable margin of error" is a common and grammatically sound term used to define the tolerable level of inaccuracy in various fields, particularly science and news media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and appears in contexts where setting expectations for result reliability is crucial. Remember to clearly define the margin when using this phrase and consider related terms such as "tolerable error range" or "permissible error threshold" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tolerable error range

Replaces "margin" with "range", focusing on the extent of permissible deviation.

permissible error threshold

Substitutes "margin" with "threshold", highlighting the boundary of acceptable error.

allowable deviation

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression, emphasizing the permitted divergence.

reasonable error allowance

Uses "allowance" instead of "margin", suggesting a provision for error.

acceptable error level

Focuses on the level of error that is considered satisfactory.

permissible degree of error

Specifies the "degree" of error that is allowed.

acceptable error rate

Highlights the rate at which errors are deemed acceptable.

reasonable degree of inaccuracy

Shifts the focus to "inaccuracy" rather than "error", implying a slight lack of precision.

allowable error percentage

Emphasizes the percentage of error that is permitted.

reasonable tolerance for error

Replaces "margin" with "tolerance", stressing the capacity to endure errors.

FAQs

How is the "acceptable margin of error" determined in research?

The "acceptable margin of error" is determined based on the study's objectives, the desired level of confidence, and the potential consequences of errors. A smaller margin of error typically requires a larger sample size.

What is an example of when a small "acceptable margin of error" is crucial?

In medical research, a small "tolerable error range" is crucial when assessing the efficacy and safety of new treatments, as even minor errors can have significant consequences for patient health.

How does sample size affect the "acceptable margin of error"?

Larger sample sizes generally lead to smaller margins of error, providing more precise estimates of population parameters. Conversely, smaller sample sizes result in larger "allowable deviations" and less precise estimates.

What are some alternatives to "acceptable margin of error"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tolerable error range", "permissible error threshold", or "allowable deviation" to convey a similar meaning.