gratuitous errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gratuitous errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to mistakes that are unnecessary or uncalled for, often in the context of writing or editing. Example: "The report was filled with gratuitous errors that could have been easily avoided with proper proofreading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

George Eliot said that prophecy is the most gratuitous form of error.

The New York Times - Health

"Prophecy is the most gratuitous form of error," the novelist George Eliot once dryly remarked.

The New York Times - Books

With regard to the prospects of the various competitors, few people can be got to indulge in this gratuitous form of error.

The Guardian

Chapter 3, "Baroque Design: Gratuitous Genomic Complexity," is about ways in which a cell carries out metabolic functions in error-prone, roundabout pathways.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Gratuitous, too.

The New York Times

Or gratuitous?

The Guardian

Stark, gratuitous.

The Guardian

Note that gratuitous "lamely".

The New York Times - Books

"They are not gratuitous.

Independent

It's just gratuitous.

Independent

Adding Glass felt gratuitous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When proofreading, specifically look for patterns of errors. Identifying these patterns can help eliminate multiple instances of "gratuitous errors" at once.

Common error

Do not focus solely on major grammatical errors while ignoring smaller inconsistencies. "Gratuitous errors" often include minor typos, formatting issues, and stylistic inconsistencies that, while small, can detract from the overall quality of the writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gratuitous errors" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "gratuitous" modifies "errors". Ludwig AI indicates it is usable in written English and refers to mistakes that are unnecessary or uncalled for.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gratuitous errors" refers to unnecessary or excessive mistakes. While grammatically correct, its frequency is relatively low. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase is typically used in neutral to formal contexts, such as news and media, science, and academia, to point out flaws that could have been avoided. To enhance writing, aim to eliminate patterns of errors during proofreading and pay attention to minor inconsistencies. Alternatives include "unnecessary mistakes", "superfluous errors", and "avoidable mistakes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary mistakes

Emphasizes the lack of need for the errors.

superfluous errors

Highlights that the errors are beyond what is required or sufficient.

needless errors

Focuses on the errors being avoidable and unwarranted.

avoidable mistakes

Highlights the preventability of the errors.

unforced errors

Suggests the errors were not caused by external pressure or necessity.

excessive mistakes

Indicates a higher than acceptable number of errors.

gratuitous faults

Replaces "errors" with a synonym that also implies a deviation from correctness.

pointless errors

Emphasizes the lack of any beneficial outcome from the errors.

unwarranted errors

Suggests that the errors are not justified or deserved.

extra errors

Implies an abundance of errors beyond what is acceptable.

FAQs

How can I avoid making "gratuitous errors" in my writing?

To minimize "gratuitous errors", implement a thorough proofreading process. This includes carefully reviewing your work, using grammar and spell-checking tools, and seeking feedback from others.

What are some synonyms for "gratuitous errors"?

Alternatives to "gratuitous errors" include "unnecessary mistakes", "superfluous errors", or "avoidable mistakes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is the phrase "gratuitous errors" formal or informal?

The phrase "gratuitous errors" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

In what types of writing are "gratuitous errors" most detrimental?

"Gratuitous errors" are particularly detrimental in professional documents, academic papers, and any writing where credibility and precision are essential. They can undermine the author's authority and distract the reader from the message.