an understandable oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an understandable oversight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a mistake or error that is easy to comprehend or forgive due to the circumstances. Example: "I appreciate your honesty in admitting the mistake; it was truly an understandable oversight given the tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was an understandable oversight.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an understandable oversight at the time, especially as the South African quickly slipped back down the leaderboard.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Kushner said the immigration and aviation mailings were an understandable oversight but evidence of the lack of a unified system for governmental agencies to communicate about terrorists.

The New York Times

Lenore wore a very well-made prosthesis, though, and I believe it was an understandable oversight on my part.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But Charlotte didn't account for Ford transfering a digital version of himself into Bernard's wiring an understandable oversight, because it's a pretty bonkers plot development.

Vice

As a result, a growing number of critics are passing right by many new and returning shows, either by choice (because the shows are known to be terrible) or understandable oversight (the inevitable result of receiving hundreds of e-mails every day).

Huffington Post

That's an understandable perspective.

The New York Times

It's an understandable misconception.

Independent

It's an understandable impulse.

The New York Times

It was an understandable reaction.

Independent

That's an understandable attitude.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an understandable oversight" when acknowledging a mistake that occurred due to extenuating circumstances or common human fallibility. It softens the impact of the error by implying it was reasonable given the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "an understandable oversight" too frequently, as it can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "a forgivable mistake" or "a reasonable error" to maintain clarity and prevent sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an understandable oversight" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "understandable" modifies the noun "oversight". It acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing the nature of the mistake or error. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an understandable oversight" is a phrase used to describe a mistake that is easily comprehended or forgiven due to specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase appears to be used mostly in news and media contexts, it is a neutral expression suitable for professional and general communication. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives such as "a forgivable mistake" or "a reasonable error". It's crucial to reserve this phrase for genuine mistakes that are reasonable given the situation to maintain its sincerity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a forgivable mistake

Focuses on the excusable nature of the error.

a reasonable error

Highlights the justification or logic behind the mistake.

an excusable lapse

Emphasizes the temporary and pardonable nature of the error.

a minor slip-up

Underlines the insignificance of the mistake.

a venial error

Implies the error is not serious and easily forgiven.

a trivial mistake

Highlights the unimportance of the mistake.

a pardonable neglect

Focuses on the forgivable aspect of the failure to act.

a slight inadvertence

Stresses the unintentional and minor nature of the mistake.

an unintentional slip

Highlights the lack of intent behind the mistake.

a lapse in judgment

Focuses on the error being a result of poor decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "an understandable oversight" in a sentence?

You can use "an understandable oversight" to acknowledge a mistake that is easily forgiven due to specific circumstances. For example: "Failing to notify all parties involved was "an understandable oversight", given the chaotic situation."

What are some alternatives to saying "an understandable oversight"?

You can use alternatives like "a forgivable mistake", "a reasonable error", or "an excusable lapse depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe a mistake as "an understandable oversight"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use this phrase only when the mistake is genuinely reasonable or easily forgiven due to specific circumstances. Overusing it for serious or negligent errors can diminish its impact and appear insincere.

What's the difference between "an understandable oversight" and "negligence"?

"An understandable oversight" implies a mistake that is reasonable given the circumstances, while "negligence" suggests a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. Negligence implies a more serious level of fault or irresponsibility.