clerical mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"clerical mistake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an error made in the processing of paperwork or an administrative task, usually caused by a mistake from a clerk or other employee. For example, "The incorrect entry on the form was due to a clerical mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Could it have been a clerical mistake?

The New York Times

A clerical mistake hastened Tallon's departure.

The New York Times

Some errors were typos: a clerical mistake wiped out 25 votes in Blue Earth County.

The New York Times

But because the clerical mistake appeared to be a stunning error, not policy, it ended up at center stage.

The New York Times

Instead of taking aim at the clerical mistake, much of the complaint focusses on the injuries that Cramblett and Zinkon have incurred, and will continue to incur, because they have a "mixed race" child.

The New Yorker

The governor ordered a quick rewriting of the application over the Memorial Day weekend, and the lack of union support for that final version actually cost the state more points than the clerical mistake that went unnoticed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

After various clerical mistakes in voting registers meant at least 1.5m eligible voters' ballots were not counted in 2000, Congress passed the "Help America Vote Act" in 2002.

The Economist

The judge held that Merrill's mistake was a mere bookkeeping error and waived the 60-day rule, essentially creating an exception for clerical mistakes.

Forbes

It attributed the mistake to a "clerical error".

The New York Times

Frank's lawyers said it was an innocent mistake or a clerical error.

The New York Times - Sports

The company blamed the mistake on a clerical error and said there had been no breach of procedure.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "clerical mistake", clearly state the impact or consequence of the mistake to provide context and emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid downplaying the significance of a "clerical mistake" without assessing its actual impact. Even seemingly small errors can lead to significant problems, so always investigate and correct them thoroughly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clerical mistake" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of error, namely one arising from administrative or clerical work. As Ludwig shows, it's used to explain the cause of an issue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clerical mistake" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe errors in administrative tasks. Ludwig AI identifies it as having a neutral formality, appearing most frequently in News & Media. While seemingly minor, it's crucial to assess the impact of any "clerical mistake" to ensure proper remediation. Alternatives such as "administrative error" or "paperwork error" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to highlight the consequence of the mistake.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administrative error

Focuses on the administrative aspect of the mistake, rather than specifically on clerical work.

paperwork error

Highlights the mistake occurring in documentation or forms.

data entry error

Specifies that the mistake happened during data input.

record-keeping error

Emphasizes that the mistake involves maintaining records.

filing error

Highlights that the error occurred during filing processes.

typographical error

Indicates the error is a typo.

oversight

A general term indicating something was missed.

inadvertent error

Emphasizes the error was unintentional.

unintentional error

Highlights the lack of intention behind the error.

human error

Broadly indicates an error caused by a person, not a machine.

FAQs

How can I use "clerical mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "clerical mistake" to describe an error made during administrative tasks. For example: "The delay in processing was due to a "clerical mistake" in the application form".

What's the difference between "clerical mistake" and "administrative error"?

While both terms refer to errors in administrative processes, "clerical mistake" typically implies a mistake made by a clerk or administrative staff, whereas "administrative error" is a broader term encompassing errors at any level of administration.

What can I say instead of "clerical mistake"?

Alternatives include "paperwork error", "data entry error", or "filing error" depending on the specific context.

Is "clerical mistake" the same as "typographical error"?

No, "clerical mistake" refers to a broader range of administrative errors, whereas "typographical error" specifically refers to errors in typing or writing.