minor error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is a mistake, but not a serious or major one. For example, "I made a minor error on the math test, but I still got a good grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

6. Be wary of admissions of minor error.

The New York Times

In a book review or essay, committing this particular fallacy is a minor error.

The New York Times - Books

A minor error relating to the rs63750847 variant in ref. 15 was corrected.

Nature

He compounds his deception by claiming it is a minor error.

The New York Times

The obituary contains a minor error about his wife, who has been dead for fifteen years.

The New Yorker

The response of mathematical model coincides with actual plant with minor error.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

Historians generally agree that a single mislabeled photo in a 346-page book is a minor error.

The New York Times

In every forgery, he inserted a minor error or two, which "only a real expert" could recognize.

The New Yorker

Dr. Baltimore has defended the integrity of his team and accused the panel of trying to punish minor error.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There are some minor errors.

The Guardian - Books

But one can overlook minor errors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, quantify the impact of a "minor error" whenever possible, demonstrating its limited effect on overall results or conclusions.

Common error

Avoid using "minor error" to dismiss or excuse mistakes that have significant consequences. Always assess the true impact of an error, regardless of how it initially appears.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor error" functions as a noun phrase, where 'minor' modifies 'error' to specify its degree of significance. It's used to categorize mistakes based on their impact, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minor error" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an insignificant mistake. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, to downplay the severity of an error. While widely used, it's crucial to ensure the error is genuinely minor and not to use the phrase to excuse mistakes with significant consequences. Alternatives like "slight mistake" or "small oversight" can offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the context. Being specific and transparent about errors, even minor ones, is vital for maintaining trust and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight mistake

Emphasizes the small magnitude of the error.

small oversight

Highlights that the error was due to inattention or omission.

trivial fault

Indicates the error is insignificant and easily forgiven.

insignificant mistake

Directly states the unimportance of the mistake.

negligible inaccuracy

Focuses on the minimal impact of the error on accuracy.

forgivable error

Highlights that the error can be excused or pardoned.

inconsequential slip-up

Suggests the error has no significant consequences.

petty blunder

Implies the error is of little importance and somewhat careless.

modest mistake

Underlines the limited scale of the error.

small imperfection

Presents the error as a minor flaw in something otherwise satisfactory.

FAQs

How can I use "minor error" in a sentence?

You can use "minor error" to describe a small mistake that does not have significant consequences. For example, "There was a "minor error" in the report, but it didn't affect the overall findings."

What are some alternatives to saying "minor error"?

Instead of "minor error", you could use phrases such as "slight mistake", "small oversight", or "trivial fault", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe a mistake as a "minor error"?

Yes, if the mistake is genuinely small and inconsequential. However, be cautious not to downplay mistakes that have larger implications by labeling them as a "minor error".

What's the difference between a "minor error" and a "major error"?

A "minor error" is a small mistake with little to no significant impact, while a "major error" has substantial consequences and can significantly affect outcomes or results.