inadvertent errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inadvertent errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to mistakes that occur unintentionally or without deliberate intent. Example: "The report contained several inadvertent errors that needed to be corrected before publication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"These were not inadvertent errors," the judge wrote.

The New York Times

Further punishment does not act as a deterrent in these kind of inadvertent errors".

The New York Times

We also know this from our day-to-day lives, where inadvertent errors are common.

The New York Times

(In the press release announcing the settlement, Baum acknowledged only that "it occasionally made inadvertent errors").

The New York Times

Ogilvy had maintained that the problems were inadvertent errors in timekeeping, stemming from inexperience in handling government contracts.

The New York Times

"And there is the real likelihood of some inadvertent errors made while trying to make a complex system work".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I made a simple inadvertent error".

The New York Times

He says he made an "inadvertent error" and he's trying to keep his head up.

The New Yorker

Trump officials have called the mix-up an inadvertent error by his staff.

The New York Times

A lawyer for the plaintiff said the posting was an "inadvertent error".

The New York Times

In such a climate, even an inadvertent error can result in a harsh response.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics or formal reports, using "inadvertent errors" can soften the impact compared to more accusatory terms like "mistakes" or "blunders".

Common error

Avoid using "inadvertent errors" repeatedly to excuse a pattern of mistakes. This can undermine credibility and suggest a lack of accountability. If errors are frequent, address the underlying causes rather than simply labeling them as "inadvertent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadvertent errors" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes mistakes made unintentionally, without deliberate planning. It highlights the unintentionality of the mistakes, as seen in examples from The New York Times and other sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inadvertent errors" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unintentional mistakes. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While it's more formal than simple terms like "mistakes", it carries a neutral tone suitable for professional communications. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing it to excuse negligence and consider the impact it has on conveying accountability. Alternatives such as "unintentional mistakes" or "accidental oversights" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintentional mistakes

Replaces "errors" with "mistakes", maintaining the meaning of unintentionality.

accidental oversights

Substitutes "inadvertent" with "accidental" and "errors" with "oversights", emphasizing the accidental nature of the mistakes.

unintended slips

Uses "unintended" instead of "inadvertent" and "slips" to suggest minor mistakes.

unwitting mistakes

Uses "unwitting" to emphasize that the errors were made without awareness.

unconscious errors

Highlights the lack of conscious awareness when the errors occurred.

unpremeditated errors

Stresses the lack of planning or intention behind the errors.

unforeseen blunders

Replaces both words to convey unexpected and clumsy mistakes.

casual errors

Indicates that the errors were not serious or significant.

negligent errors

Highlights the lack of attention or care that led to the errors.

erroneous oversights

Focuses on the incorrect nature of the oversights.

FAQs

How can I use "inadvertent errors" in a sentence?

You can use "inadvertent errors" to describe mistakes that were made unintentionally. For example: "The audit revealed several "inadvertent errors" in the financial statements."

What are some alternatives to "inadvertent errors"?

You can use alternatives like "unintentional mistakes", "accidental oversights", or "unintended slips" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "inadvertent errors" or "intentional errors"?

The choice between "inadvertent errors" and "intentional errors" depends on whether the mistakes were made unintentionally or deliberately. "Inadvertent errors" refers to unintentional mistakes, while "intentional errors" refers to deliberate mistakes.

What's the difference between "inadvertent errors" and "negligent errors"?

"Inadvertent errors" suggests unintentional mistakes without implying fault. "Negligent errors", on the other hand, implies that the mistakes resulted from a lack of reasonable care or attention.