accidental omission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accidental omission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was unintentionally left out or not included. Example: "The report contained an accidental omission of key data that affected the overall analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

What slowly became apparent was that the binges of self-destruction were triggered by accidental omission of a tablet.

The Guardian

Do you want me, oh-ohhh-oh," he booms, stripping the 80s hit of all its yearning with the accidental omission of two crucial letters.

The Guardian - Music

Variation can occur in several ways: through mechanical damage or accidental omission; through misunderstanding due to changes in fashions of writing; through ignorance of language or subject matter; through inattention or stupidity; and through deliberate efforts at correction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That exclusion is intentional, the result of much debate, and not an accidental omission.

Huffington Post

"In the words of the great (tennis) analyst, John McEnroe 'You can't be serious!' The lower tax rate isn't due to an accidental omission -- it was purposely written into law because the wealthy are able to influence the politicians to make laws that are convenient for them.

Huffington Post

We thank the reviewers for pointing out this accidental omission on our part.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Errors and accidental omissions should be random, and therefore reveal no pattern.

The New Yorker

One 2004 study* by Alan Sorensen, now of the University of Wisconsin, examined accidental omissions from the New York Times bestseller list.

The Economist

To catch such accidental omissions, one can initialize an array with a large number, e.g., infinity, by coding x[1..n]=+Inf.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

I attribute this omission, accidental or not, to the longstanding rumor that editors don't actually edit.

The New Yorker

Miller called the omission accidental in an interview with HuffPost, but Goff likened the recommendations to instructing a baby seal to wear a helmet to protect itself from clubbing.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accidental omission", ensure the context clearly indicates that the omission was unintentional and not deliberate. For example, specify the reason behind the omission if known.

Common error

Avoid using "accidental omission" when there is a suspicion or evidence that the omission was deliberate. If intent is unclear, consider using a more neutral term like "omission" without specifying the cause.

Linguistic Context

Accidental omission functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "accidental" modifies the noun "omission". It describes a specific type of omission that occurred unintentionally. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, from scientific papers to news articles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accidental omission" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, signifying something unintentionally left out. As determined by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, its meaning is clear, and alternatives such as "inadvertent exclusion" or "unintentional oversight" can be used for variety. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context clarifies the lack of intent and avoids confusion with deliberate actions. By understanding its proper usage and potential errors, writers can effectively communicate the nature of unintentional exclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadvertent exclusion

Focuses on the unintentional nature of the exclusion.

unintentional exclusion

Underscores the lack of intent behind the exclusion.

unintentional oversight

Highlights the failure to notice or consider something.

unwitting exclusion

Emphasizes the lack of awareness in the act of excluding.

inadvertent leaving out

Directly refers to the act of unintentionally leaving something out.

unintended lapse

Focuses on the unintentional nature of the error.

inadvertent neglect

Suggests a careless or unintentional failure to include something.

inadvertent slip

Emphasizes that something was unintentionally left out.

unforeseen absence

Highlights the unexpected nature of something not being present.

unthinking disregard

Emphasizes the lack of careful consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "accidental omission" in a sentence?

You can use "accidental omission" to describe instances where something was unintentionally left out. For example, "The report contained an accidental omission of key data."

What's the difference between "accidental omission" and intentional omission?

"Accidental omission" refers to something unintentionally left out, while intentional omission means something was deliberately left out. The key difference lies in the intent.

What can I say instead of "accidental omission"?

You can use alternatives like "inadvertent exclusion", "unintentional oversight", or "unwitting exclusion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "accidental omission" grammatically correct?

Yes, "accidental omission" is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, as evidenced by its presence in reputable sources.