clerical mistakes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clerical mistakes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to errors made in the process of writing, typing, or recording information, often in administrative or office settings. Example: "The report was delayed due to several clerical mistakes that needed to be corrected before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

Although that period might be extended for reasons like a legal dispute, a billing dispute or a clerical mistake, she said, eventually those names are made available for purchase through VeriSign and other registrars.

The New York Times

A clerical mistake?

Forbes

An Intel spokesman, Chuck Malloy, told Forbes.com that the suit was a "clerical mistake" made by the firm's counsel.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "clerical mistakes", be specific about the type of error if possible. For example, instead of just saying "clerical mistakes", specify "data entry errors" or "filing errors" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "clerical mistakes" as a catch-all term for any error. If the mistake involves a miscalculation or misunderstanding of policy, a more precise term like "accounting error" or "procedural mistake" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clerical mistakes" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It commonly identifies errors that occur during administrative or office-related tasks. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts like voting registers, tax filings, and general office administration, describing specific instances of such errors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clerical mistakes" is a common and correct way to describe errors made in administrative or office settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. When writing, it's best to be as specific as possible about the type of error to improve clarity, such as using "data entry errors" or "filing errors" instead of just "clerical mistakes". Avoid using the term as a catch-all for any error, and consider alternatives like "administrative errors" or "procedural mistakes" if the error falls outside of routine office tasks. Ultimately, understanding the nuance of "clerical mistakes" and its alternatives can improve precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administrative errors

Focuses on the administrative aspect of the mistakes.

typographical errors

Highlights mistakes specifically related to typing.

paperwork errors

Emphasizes errors occurring in documents.

data entry errors

Specifies mistakes made during data input.

documentation errors

Refers to inaccuracies found within formal documentation.

recording errors

Highlights mistakes in the process of documenting something.

bookkeeping errors

Related to the financial aspect of administrative errors.

filing errors

Focuses on the incorrect categorization or archiving of documents.

transcription errors

Refers to inaccuracies during the process of transcribing information.

office errors

General errors that happen within an office setting.

FAQs

What are some common examples of "clerical mistakes"?

Common examples include "data entry errors", "filing errors", "typographical errors", and "documentation errors". These often occur in office or administrative settings.

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

"Clerical mistakes" generally refer to errors made during routine office tasks such as typing or filing. "Administrative errors" ("administrative errors") is a broader term encompassing a wider range of mistakes in organizational or managerial processes.

How can I prevent "clerical mistakes" in my work?

To minimize such errors, implement clear procedures, double-check your work, use automated tools for data entry where possible, and provide adequate training to staff. Encourage a culture of attention to detail and accuracy.

What should I do if I find a "clerical mistake"?

Immediately correct the error and inform relevant parties. Investigate the cause to prevent future occurrences and update procedures if necessary. Document the correction and any related changes.