fleeting error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary or momentary mistake that is not lasting or significant. Example: "During the presentation, I made a fleeting error in my calculations, but I quickly corrected it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

After an initial non-apology that basically read, "we're sorry you have no sense of humor," folks who are alarmed about global warming have been spinning the video as a fleeting and isolated error in judgment roughly equivalent to a politician's misstatement in a debate.

Forbes

The authors suggest that the rapidity of such a boundary extension error is advantageous rather than harmful; it shows how the visual system incorporates fleeting views of images with spurious boundaries into a coherent representation of the world around us.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

However, a loose backhand error followed by a netted forehand under pressure saw the moment pass, and Murray would regret that fleeting opportunity when Federer made the breakthrough at 5-5.

BBC

Age: Fleeting.

The Guardian

Too fleeting!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Successes are often fleeting.

The Economist

Surprise is fleeting.

The New Yorker

The glimpses are fleeting.

The New Yorker

The results feel fleeting.

The New York Times

The magic is fleeting.

The New York Times - Food

The visits were fleeting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting error" when you want to emphasize that a mistake was not only an error but also temporary and not indicative of a larger problem. It is useful in contexts where you want to downplay the significance of the mistake.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting error" when the mistake had significant consequences, even if it appeared briefly. In such cases, focusing on the impact of the error is more appropriate than its duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting error" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'fleeting' modifies 'error'. It describes the nature of the error as temporary or short-lived. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting error" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a temporary or insignificant mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the examples indicate that it appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While not overly frequent, it serves the purpose of downplaying the importance of an error by emphasizing its short duration. When using this phrase, remember to ensure that the error truly is minor and temporary, and that focusing on its brevity is appropriate for the situation. Alternative phrases like "temporary mistake" or "minor slip-up" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary mistake

Focuses on the transient nature of the error.

momentary lapse

Highlights the brief duration of the error.

brief mistake

Emphasizes the short duration of the mistake.

minor slip-up

Indicates a small and easily forgiven error.

passing error

Suggests the error is not significant or lasting.

short-lived mistake

Highlights the temporary aspect of the mistake.

transient error

Implies the error is only temporary.

quick blunder

Conveys a sense of rapidity and insignificance.

small oversight

Suggests a minor error due to inattention.

fleeting oversight

Combines the concepts of briefness and inattention.

FAQs

How can I use "fleeting error" in a sentence?

You can use "fleeting error" to describe a mistake that is temporary or insignificant. For example: "During the presentation, there was a "fleeting error" in the data, but it was quickly corrected".

What's a good alternative to "fleeting error"?

Alternatives include "temporary mistake", "momentary lapse", or "minor slip-up" depending on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "fleeting error"?

It's inappropriate when the error, even if brief, had substantial consequences. In those cases, it's better to focus on the impact rather than downplaying it as a "fleeting error".

Is "fleeting error" formal or informal language?

"Fleeting error" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In very informal settings, simpler terms like "oops" or "blip" might be more appropriate.