little mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a minor error or a blunder that doesn't have serious consequences. For example, "I made a little mistake in my calculations, but I was able to fix it quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

One little mistake".

The New York Times - Sports

"I made a little mistake.

The New York Times

One little mistake here and it's curtains.

The New Yorker

I made a little mistake, but, you know, I'm human".

The New York Times - Sports

"One little mistake doesn't wash all that away".

The New Yorker

"You make one little mistake in demanding conditions, and suddenly it becomes a big mistake".

The New York Times - Sports

"This wasn't just a simple little mistake of forgetting to dot the 'i,' " Mr. Ticktin said.

The New York Times

"You are just one little mistake away from a great run.

The New York Times - Sports

"In Italy, you make one little mistake, they throw you in jail seven years," he said.

The New Yorker

"O.K., we made a little mistake and crossed over to the Pakistan side," he said.

The New York Times

A. Just every little mistake you make is exploited at the pro level.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little mistake", ensure the context clarifies that the error had minimal impact. This avoids misleading your audience into anticipating significant consequences where none exist.

Common error

Avoid using "little mistake" when the consequences are significant. Overstating the insignificance can undermine your credibility and appear dismissive of genuine problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little mistake" functions as a noun phrase where "little" modifies the noun "mistake". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an error that is not considered serious. Ludwig confirms this through its examples and AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little mistake" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a minor error or oversight. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. When using "little mistake", ensure that the context aligns with the actual impact of the error to maintain credibility. Remember to consider alternatives such as "minor error" or "slight oversight" for nuanced communication. Ludwig's analysis emphasizes that while the phrase is versatile, clarity and contextual accuracy are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor error

This emphasizes the insignificance of the mistake.

slight oversight

Highlights the accidental nature of the error and its lack of importance.

trivial blunder

Focuses on the lack of serious consequences from the error.

small slip-up

Suggests a brief and easily corrected error.

insignificant fault

Underscores the minimal impact of the mistake.

negligible error

Points out that the error is so small it's practically nonexistent.

minor infraction

Implies a small violation or breach of a rule.

small misstep

Suggests a slight deviation from the correct path or action.

unimportant gaffe

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence of the mistake.

paltry error

Indicates the error is virtually worthless or insignificant.

FAQs

How can I use "little mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "little mistake" to describe a minor error that doesn't have serious consequences. For example, "I made a little mistake in the report, but it was quickly corrected."

What are some alternatives to saying "little mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "minor error", "slight oversight", or "trivial blunder" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "small mistake" instead of "little mistake"?

Yes, "small mistake" and "little mistake" are often interchangeable. Both refer to errors that are not significant.

What's the difference between "little mistake" and "big mistake"?

"Little mistake" refers to a minor error with minimal consequences, while "big mistake" indicates a significant error with potentially serious repercussions.