leave room for error

USAGE SUMMARY

"leave room for error" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing something that has some inevitable margin of error, meaning it may not be perfect or exact. For example: "When working on a budget, it's important to leave room for error to ensure that you don't overextend yourself financially."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is kindly and sensible counsel, though it seems to leave room for error.

The New York Times - Magazine

Firstly, the transfer from the virtual plan to the actual realignment and fixation might leave room for error.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

But even tools like those largely leave room for error as patients continue to take other old drugs and remain responsible for correctly separating their weekly medication.

TechCrunch

Punctual people leave room for error.

Huffington Post

Releasing the result is the easiest way to leave room for error.

Huffington Post

ALLOW yourself to leave room for error... ABOVE your current Dream Reality.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It did so implicitly, however, thereby leaving room for error.

Harvard University

According to Forrester Research, a consulting firm, other discount hotel sites generally take a consumer's reservation via the Web, but then fax or e-mail the reservation to the hotel itself, leaving room for error.

The New York Times - Travel

This approach leaves room for error, and also prevents hotels from understanding how they are failing guest expectations.

Forbes

The provision of the act, however, that allows for the state and tribal national to apply for primacy, giving them control over the regulation of the drinking water, leaves room for error within the states.

Duke University

Second, any attempt to simplify the problem by breaking a whole life into parts and apprehending their value, and then calculating the probability of their contributing to a good life as a whole, also leaves room for error.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning projects, always "leave room for error" to account for unforeseen delays or complications. This proactive approach helps prevent stress and ensures project completion.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everything will proceed exactly as planned. Failing to "leave room for error" can lead to significant setbacks when unexpected issues arise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave room for error" functions primarily as a recommendation or suggestion for planning and preparation. It implies that one should account for potential mistakes or unexpected events to avoid negative consequences. The Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave room for error" is a grammatically sound and practically relevant expression used to advocate for flexibility and precaution in planning. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to suggest factoring in potential mistakes or unforeseen issues. While not extremely frequent, it appears in various contexts from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. It serves as a reminder to avoid overconfidence and prepare for the unexpected, making it a valuable piece of advice in both personal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a margin for error

Focuses on the deliberate creation of space to account for mistakes.

allow for mistakes

Focuses on the act of allowing mistakes to happen or be accepted, emphasizing tolerance.

give leeway

Stresses granting flexibility or freedom to deviate from strict rules or expectations.

provide a buffer

Emphasizes creating a safety net or extra space to prevent negative consequences from errors.

offer flexibility

Underscores the availability of options or adaptability in a situation.

build in slack

Highlights incorporating flexibility or extra resources to accommodate unexpected issues.

tolerate imprecision

Emphasizes accepting a lack of exactness or accuracy.

permit imperfection

Highlights accepting that things may not be perfect and allowing for flaws.

factor in uncertainty

Highlights including the possibility of unexpected events when making plans.

plan for contingencies

Focuses on preparing for possible unexpected or adverse events.

FAQs

How can I use "leave room for error" in a sentence?

You can use "leave room for error" when discussing plans, budgets, or processes, meaning to provide some flexibility or extra resources to accommodate potential mistakes or unexpected events. For example, "It's wise to "leave room for error" in your budget in case of unexpected expenses."

What's a similar phrase to "leave room for error"?

Similar phrases include "allow for mistakes", "create a margin for error", or "build in slack". All these suggest providing some flexibility to account for potential problems.

Is it better to "leave room for error" or aim for perfection?

While striving for high quality is important, it's generally better to "leave room for error", as unforeseen issues can arise. Rigidity and over optimization can lead to failure when unexpected situations occur, as very limited "room for maneuver" is available.

Which is correct: "leave room for errors" or "leave room for error"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "leave room for error" is more common when referring to a general allowance for mistakes. "Leave room for errors" might be used when specifically anticipating multiple distinct mistakes.