bureaucratic errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bureaucratic errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to mistakes or inefficiencies that occur within bureaucratic processes or systems. Example: "The project was delayed due to several bureaucratic errors that went unnoticed during the approval process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Although families do return to shelters in New York, he said that was largely because of bureaucratic errors, not the deep psychiatric problems that many single people have.

The New York Times

The bureaucratic errors that led to Abdulmutallab being able to board a plane bound for the US would not have been solved by waterboarding.

The Guardian - Opinion

Critics said that bureaucratic errors, compounded by damage to the welfare computer network in the Sept. 11 attacks, could interrupt basic aid to thousands.

The New York Times

The Justice Department allocated money to help finance the system, but in recent months it has become clear that efforts to establish it fell victim to bureaucratic errors, infuriating Justice officials.

The New York Times

Another executive, Steven Spinola, president of the Real Estate Board of New York, said yesterday that the mayor's plan to separate inspection authority from the Buildings Department, which employs 420 people to deal with permits, building plans and other reviews before construction, could lead to new bureaucratic errors.

The New York Times

And through a mix of bureaucratic errors and penalties for missed appointments -- when Ms. Belette had to tend to her sick father in Florida -- the family lost food stamps and a rent subsidy well before they started their jobs, leaving them deep in debt to the landlord.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A few people recalled a bureaucratic error here or there.

The New York Times

And how many of them were needy families wrongly removed because of bureaucratic error?

The New York Times

Some clutched threats of eviction, medical bills, printouts of bureaucratic error.

The New York Times

Certainly, through bureaucratic error, they continue to fail to provide critical services".

The New York Times

The change this year is almost certainly not the result of bureaucratic error.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bureaucratic errors", provide specific examples to illustrate the types of errors and their impact. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid attributing all problems solely to "bureaucratic errors" without investigating deeper systemic issues. Sometimes, deeper underlying causes, not just simple errors, are at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bureaucratic errors" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies mistakes that occur within administrative or governmental processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bureaucratic errors" is a grammatically correct and usable term referring to mistakes or inefficiencies within bureaucratic systems. While not extremely frequent, as seen in Ludwig, it's commonly found in news and media contexts, often used to explain negative outcomes or systemic problems. Alternatives include "administrative mistakes" or "procedural oversights", offering slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, specificity and context are key to effective communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and general applicability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administrative mistakes

Replaces "bureaucratic" with a more general term, focusing on the administrative aspect of the errors.

procedural oversights

Highlights the failure to follow established procedures.

regulatory lapses

Emphasizes the neglect or failure to comply with regulations.

clerical errors

Focuses on mistakes made during routine office tasks.

official mismanagement

Shifts the focus to the act of mismanaging official duties.

systemic inefficiencies

Highlights the inherent inefficiencies within the bureaucratic system.

governance failures

Emphasizes a broader failure in the system of governance.

red tape mishaps

Uses an informal term ("red tape") to describe bureaucratic obstacles and errors.

paperwork blunders

Focuses on errors specifically related to paperwork and documentation.

organizational flaws

Broader term indicating faults within the organization's structure or processes.

FAQs

How can I use "bureaucratic errors" in a sentence?

You can use "bureaucratic errors" to describe mistakes or inefficiencies within a bureaucratic system. For example, "The project was delayed due to several "bureaucratic errors" during the approval process."

What are some alternatives to saying "bureaucratic errors"?

Alternatives include "administrative mistakes", "procedural oversights", or "regulatory lapses", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "bureaucratic errors" and "administrative mistakes"?

"Bureaucratic errors" specifically refers to errors within a bureaucratic system, while "administrative mistakes" is a broader term that can apply to any administrative context.

Are "bureaucratic errors" always unintentional?

While most "bureaucratic errors" are unintentional, some may result from negligence or a lack of oversight, which could lead to more serious consequences. The term itself doesn't imply intent.