degree of error

USAGE SUMMARY

"degree of error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the level of mistakes or inaccuracy in a situation. For example: "We tried to minimize the degree of error in our calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The second big problem with diagnosis rates is that even the national figures must have a degree of error.

The Guardian

It found "a relatively high degree of error" — eight years, on average — in guessing the ages of those pictured.

The Times

Such judgments take guesswork about the choices state officials will make, and they almost certainly involve some degree of error.

The New York Times

Guo, K. Wang, A construction of pooling designs with high degree of error correction, J. Combin.

Discrete Applied Mathematics

wowbagger is agreeing that in a real world situation we must be aware of the degree of error.

University of California, Berkeley

David Brooks ("A More Humble Hawk," column, April 17) admits a degree of error that could be refreshing when coming from a conservative hawk.

The New York Times

Our critics are also overstating the methodological challenge of estimating the frequency of low-probability behaviors from survey items that have some degree of error.

The Washington Post

If inappropriate model is used for the load, the obtained results may contain a high degree of error.

Electric Power Systems Research

Every poll has an irreducible degree of error introduced by statistical sampling methods (this is what is measured by the margin of error reported along with the poll).

The New York Times

This belief is no longer held by most scientists, and almost all physical measurements reported today are accompanied by some indication of the limitation of accuracy or the probable degree of error.

Britannica

They use a calendar based on phases of the Moon, and sometime about March the precise date depends on the degree of error of their lunar calendar compared with the tropical year they go out in boats with lighted flares.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing experimental results or statistical analyses, quantify the "degree of error" using confidence intervals or standard deviations to provide a clear understanding of the uncertainty involved.

Common error

Avoid presenting results as absolute truths; acknowledge the "degree of error" inherent in any measurement or model. Failing to recognize the possibility of errors can lead to overly confident conclusions and flawed decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degree of error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the extent or magnitude of mistakes or inaccuracies within a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "degree of error" is a versatile and widely used term that describes the extent of mistakes or inaccuracies. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and applicable in diverse contexts. Analysis reveals that it commonly appears in scientific and news-related contexts, and maintaining a neutral to formal register is recommended. The phrase is best understood by quantifying uncertainty using established measures and avoiding overstatements of certainty. Alternative phrases, such as "margin of error" or "level of inaccuracy", can provide more specificity depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

margin of error

Focuses specifically on the statistical range within which the true value lies.

level of inaccuracy

Emphasizes the lack of precision or correctness in a measurement or statement.

extent of deviation

Highlights how far something has strayed from an expected or correct value.

magnitude of discrepancy

Indicates the size or scale of the difference between two things.

amount of variation

Refers to the quantity or range of differences observed.

scope of inaccuracy

Emphasizes the breadth or range over which something is not accurate.

range of uncertainty

Highlights the limits within which the true value is not precisely known.

potential for error

Focuses on the possibility or risk that mistakes may occur.

likelihood of mistake

Emphasizes the probability that an error has been or will be made.

measure of imprecision

Highlights the quantification of the lack of exactness.

FAQs

How can I quantify the "degree of error" in my measurements?

You can use statistical measures such as standard deviation, margin of error, or confidence intervals to quantify the "degree of error". These measures help express the uncertainty associated with your measurements.

What's the difference between "degree of error" and "margin of error"?

While both terms relate to uncertainty, "degree of error" is a general term for the extent of mistakes or inaccuracies. "Margin of error" specifically refers to the range within which the true value of a statistical estimate is likely to fall.

In what contexts is it important to acknowledge the "degree of error"?

It's crucial to acknowledge the "degree of error" in scientific research, statistical analysis, financial forecasting, and any situation where decisions are based on measurements or estimations. Transparency about potential errors builds trust and allows for more informed judgment.

Are there situations where minimizing the "degree of error" is more critical?

Yes, minimizing the "degree of error" is especially critical in fields like medicine, engineering, and aviation, where even small errors can have significant and potentially dangerous consequences.