an inadvertent error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inadvertent error" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a mistake or error that was made unintentionally or by mistake. Example: "The company apologized for the delay in processing orders, citing an inadvertent error in their computer system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He says he made an "inadvertent error" and he's trying to keep his head up.

The New Yorker

Trump officials have called the mix-up an inadvertent error by his staff.

The New York Times

A lawyer for the plaintiff said the posting was an "inadvertent error".

The New York Times

In such a climate, even an inadvertent error can result in a harsh response.

The New York Times

Perhaps it was an inadvertent error, in which case calling it a lie seems much too strong.

The New York Times - Books

After prodding by Third Point, Yahoo conceded that Mr. Thompson had only an accounting degree, calling it an "inadvertent error".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"I made a simple inadvertent error".

The New York Times

In the work of Topaz et al, there is a likely inadvertent error, as when comparing the protein sequences in the publication with the swissProt/NCBI database, it was found that the mouse SAMD9 sequence reported is actually a predicted rat SAMD9 protein sequence [GenBank: XP_575365] and the rat SAMD9 sequence reported is the rat predicted SAMD9L protein sequence [GenBank: XP_001069386].

BMC Genomics

Monica McCafferty of R&R Partners, who worked on the contract as well, said in an email that "the failure to issue the disclosure on the op-ed itself was an inadvertent human error and mistake, made in haste".

Vice

As does the troubling realisation that a doctor can face reprimand for inadvertent error but an alternative practitioner can get away with intentional harm.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a response, prosecutors apologized for the "inadvertent error" but said there was no reason for a mistrial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a mistake, use "an inadvertent error" to convey that it was unintentional, promoting transparency and accountability without implying negligence.

Common error

Avoid using "an inadvertent error" to describe issues that are clearly the result of negligence or intentional misconduct, as it can undermine trust and appear dismissive of the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inadvertent error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across diverse contexts, indicating its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inadvertent error" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe unintentional mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the lack of intent behind the error and consider alternative expressions like "an unintentional mistake" for a more formal tone. Avoid misusing it to downplay serious negligence or intentional misconduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unintentional mistake

Replaces "error" with "mistake" and "inadvertent" with "unintentional", keeping the meaning virtually identical.

an unintended oversight

Substitutes "error" with "oversight" and "inadvertent" with "unintended", suggesting a failure to notice something.

an accidental slip-up

Replaces "error" with the more informal "slip-up" and "inadvertent" with "accidental", making the phrase less formal.

an unintended fault

Uses "fault" in place of "error", slightly altering the connotation to imply a defect or imperfection that was not intended.

an unconscious blunder

Emphasizes lack of awareness using "unconscious" and uses the stronger term "blunder" for a significant error.

a chance mistake

Focuses on the randomness of the mistake, suggesting it happened by chance rather than intent.

a careless mistake

Suggests the error resulted from a lack of attention or diligence.

a simple oversight

Downplays the severity of the error, portraying it as a minor and easily overlooked mistake.

a regrettable slip

Highlights the regret associated with the mistake, focusing on the negative consequences.

a technical glitch

Implies the error is a minor malfunction, particularly in a technical or mechanical context.

FAQs

How can I use "an inadvertent error" in a sentence?

You can use "an inadvertent error" to describe mistakes made unintentionally. For example: "The company attributed the data breach to "an inadvertent error" in the server configuration."

What's a more formal synonym for "an inadvertent error"?

A more formal synonym would be "an unintentional mistake", which carries a similar meaning but sounds more appropriate in formal contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "an inadvertent error" in a legal context?

Yes, the phrase can be used in legal contexts to describe unintentional mistakes. However, the legal implications depend on the specific circumstances and whether the error constitutes negligence or a breach of contract.

Which is more accurate, "an inadvertent error" or "a deliberate mistake"?

"An inadvertent error" refers to an unintentional mistake, while "a deliberate mistake" implies that the mistake was done on purpose. They are antonyms and should be used accordingly.