incidental error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incidental error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor mistake that occurs unintentionally and does not significantly impact the overall outcome. Example: "The report contained an incidental error in the data analysis, but the conclusions remained valid."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In case when only single set of the reactants was available, this method enables to detect probable incidental error and helps making decision of rejecting it.

Colloid and Polymer Science

The reaction with the recombinant components Ves v 1 and Ves v 5 in the CAP test was not affected by the CCD inhibitor apart from incidental error.

Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

One final note about reducing the incidental finding error rate: Ideally, we would want to reduce those errors without increasing the rates of false positive errors.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

These are simply search errors; though these results and the analogy with incidental finding errors make it clear that simple search errors and inattentional blindness may be more closely related than we tend to think.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

If mixed hybrid search is a good model for incidental finding errors, then interventions that bring down that >30% error rate in the lab might bring down the error rate in the clinic as well.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

It can be used to investigate the fundamental cognitive processes that lie behind incidental finding errors.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Is mixed hybrid search actually a good model of incidental finding errors?

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Perhaps we can reduce incidental finding errors by reminding observers to look for those loosely defined targets.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Therefore the specific dynamic factor is suitable for analyzing local variations and detecting incidental measurement errors, for example in a quality control procedure.

Journal of Hydrology

In other words, this is not simply a matter of accidental (or co-incidental) understandable human error.

The Guardian

Repeated sampling assures scientists that biomarkers reflect actual disease processes, instead of measurement errors or other incidental variations.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incidental error", ensure that the context clearly indicates the error is minor and doesn't significantly affect the overall outcome or interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "incidental error" to describe critical mistakes that have serious consequences; reserve it for genuinely minor and inconsequential errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incidental error" functions as a noun phrase where "incidental" modifies "error", specifying the type of error. As per Ludwig AI, this signifies a minor or unintentional mistake. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase it referring to a mistake that does not significantly impact overall results or interpretations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incidental error" refers to a minor, unintentional mistake that doesn't significantly impact the overall outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use. It's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. When using it, ensure the error is genuinely minor to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "minor mistake" or "slight error" can be used depending on the context. While used to soften the implications of an error, it should not misrepresent severe mistakes. The phrase is best employed in formal settings to objectively describe non-consequential mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadvertent error

Focuses on the unintentional aspect of the error.

unintentional mistake

Replaces 'error' with 'mistake', emphasizing lack of intent.

minor slip-up

Uses a more informal term for a small mistake.

accidental oversight

Highlights the accidental nature and the aspect of overlooking something.

unforeseen mistake

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the error.

negligible error

Focuses on the insignificance of the error.

trivial mistake

Replaces 'error' with 'mistake', highlighting its unimportance.

slight inaccuracy

Substitutes 'error' with 'inaccuracy', softening the term.

casual error

Emphasizes the lack of deliberation in making the error.

random error

Highlights the unpredictable nature of the error.

FAQs

How to use "incidental error" in a sentence?

"Incidental error" refers to a minor mistake that doesn't greatly impact the outcome. For example: "The report contained an "incidental error" in the calculations, but the final results remained valid."

What can I say instead of "incidental error"?

You can use alternatives like "minor mistake", "slight error", or "negligible error" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "incidental error" or "accidental error"?

Both "incidental error" and "accidental error" can be correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Accidental error" emphasizes the lack of intention, while "incidental error" highlights that the error is secondary or not of major importance.

What's the difference between "incidental error" and "systematic error"?

"Incidental error" refers to a random, minor mistake, while "systematic error" indicates a consistent and repeatable error due to a flaw in the process or system. Systematic errors are generally much more serious and require a different approach to correct.