an inconsequential error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inconsequential error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a mistake that has little to no impact or significance in a given context. Example: "While reviewing the report, I noticed an inconsequential error in the data that did not affect the overall findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In the case of established players for whom little has changed, this is often an inconsequential error.

The New York Times

In addition, information on a withholding certificate that contradicts other information contained on the withholding certificate or in the customer master file is not an inconsequential error.

Cornell University

He fumbled a grounder in the second inning, an inconsequential error because the Marlins did not score, but the pattern was established.

The New York Times - Sports

As for Reyes, he did double home a run in the fifth after making an inconsequential error in the top of the inning.

The New York Times - Sports

A failure to check a box to make a required certification on the withholding certificate or to provide a country of residence or a country under which treaty benefits are sought is not an inconsequential error.

Cornell University

On the other hand, an ambiguous abbreviation for the country of residence that does not reasonably match the country of residence shown on the person's passport is not an inconsequential error.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Unbowed, Kennedy stands by the piece and admits to only a few inconsequential errors.

The Washington Post

In such case, the documentation relied upon to cure the inconsequential error must be conclusive.

Cornell University

(i Curing inconsequential errors on a withholding certificate.

Cornell University

Thus, filler IDs are relatively inconsequential errors and are, therefore, treated separately.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

We almost always count potential errors, not actual adverse drug events; and even then, we usually find the inconsequential errors.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an inconsequential error", ensure the context clearly demonstrates why the error is unimportant to avoid misleading the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an inconsequential error" when the error actually has a noticeable impact. Ensure a genuine lack of consequence before using this phrase to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inconsequential error" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to characterize the nature and severity of a mistake, indicating that the error is of little importance or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inconsequential error" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a mistake having little to no significant impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently encountered in news, academic, and scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for professional communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely supports the error's lack of consequence. Alternatives such as "a trivial mistake" or "a minor oversight" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Be mindful of overstating the error's insignificance, as this can undermine credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trivial mistake

Replaces "inconsequential" with "trivial", emphasizing the lack of importance of the mistake.

a minor oversight

Uses "oversight" instead of "error", suggesting a mistake due to inattention.

a negligible fault

Substitutes "inconsequential" with "negligible" and "error" with "fault", both indicating something of little consequence.

a slight inaccuracy

Replaces "error" with "inaccuracy", focusing on the lack of precision rather than a complete mistake, and "inconsequential" with "slight" denoting a small degree.

a petty slip-up

Uses informal terms "petty" and "slip-up" to describe a small mistake.

a small blunder

Employs "blunder" to refer to a mistake, while maintaining "small" to indicate its lack of significance.

a harmless mistake

Focuses on the lack of negative consequences of the mistake.

a venial error

Replaces "inconsequential" with "venial", indicating a forgivable or pardonable mistake.

an unimportant mistake

Directly states the lack of importance of the mistake.

a non-critical error

Uses "non-critical" to highlight that the error doesn't impact essential functions or outcomes.

FAQs

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

Use "an inconsequential error" to describe a mistake or fault that has little to no impact on the overall outcome or situation. For example: "While the report contained "an inconsequential error", the overall findings remained valid."

What are some alternatives to saying "an inconsequential error"?

You can use alternatives like "a trivial mistake", "a minor oversight", or "a negligible fault" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "an inconsequential error" in formal writing?

Yes, "an inconsequential error" is suitable for formal writing, but consider alternatives like "a minor oversight" or "a slight inaccuracy" for a more professional tone in specific contexts.

When should I avoid using the phrase "an inconsequential error"?

Avoid using "an inconsequential error" if the error in question could lead to significant problems or misunderstandings. Ensure that the mistake truly has minimal impact before describing it this way.