minor oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor oversight" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could write: "I overlooked the discrepancies in the report, but it was only a minor oversight." It is used to describe a small mistake or error that is easily correctable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

On the surface, this may seem to be just a minor oversight.

The Washington Post

In "An American Daughter," Lyssa Dent Hughes, a dedicated public servant, is virtually vivisected by the media not because of her qualifications but because of a minor oversight she committed.

The New Yorker

Yet, Peter Hain had to resign for a minor oversight and other ministers, from Peter Mandelson to David Blunkett have, over the years, paid the price for far less serious misdemeanours than costing the taxpayer upwards of several billion pounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

He (like many scholars before him) makes only one minor oversight: the vivid description he quotes of a slave-ship voyage published by John Riland in 1827 was in fact partly plagiarized from a little-known account by Zachary Macaulay, written many years earlier.

The New York Times - Books

This wasn't a minor oversight.

Forbes

The lack of football boots suitable for grass was ultimately a minor oversight.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But it turns out it can creep up on you slowly, an amalgamation of minor oversights or mistakes.

The Guardian - Travel

These minor oversights, left undone, often result in expensive repairs or replacements on HVAC systems, roofs, plumbing, cabinetry, basement foundation walls and mold remediation.

The Washington Post

Since no software is ever completely free of errors, be it careless minor oversights or the results of serious design problems, it is therefore expected that with prolonged and systematic testing, N x) will increase with x.

Statistical Methodology

They are not mere journalistic mistakes or minor oversights.

Forbes

Given the harshness of the spotlight into which Mr Davie had just shuffled, it might be reasonable to suggest he could have been forgiven a minor sartorial oversight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minor oversight", ensure the context clearly indicates the mistake had little to no significant consequences. This maintains transparency and avoids downplaying potentially serious issues.

Common error

Avoid using "minor oversight" to describe situations where the consequences are substantial. Doing so can undermine your credibility and appear dismissive of real problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor oversight" functions as a noun phrase where "minor" modifies the noun "oversight". It describes a small, unintentional error or mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minor oversight" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small, unintentional mistake. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and business. When using this phrase, be mindful of the actual significance of the error to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like "small mistake" or "slight error" for nuanced communication. Be accurate with use of this phrase as any incorrect usage may undermine your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight error

This is nearly synonymous, but "error" is a bit more formal than "mistake" or "oversight".

small mistake

This alternative is a more general term and lacks the implication of unintentional neglect.

trivial mistake

This alternative emphasizes the insignificance of the error.

inconsequential error

Highlights that the error has little to no impact.

insignificant error

Similar to "trivial mistake", it stresses the lack of importance of the mistake.

negligible mistake

Focuses on the small size or impact of the mistake.

minor lapse

This suggests a temporary failure in judgment or memory.

small slip-up

This phrase is slightly more informal and colloquial.

petty mistake

This alternative emphasizes the trivial nature of the error.

forgivable mistake

Adds the nuance that the mistake is easily excused.

FAQs

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

You can use "minor oversight" to describe a small, unintentional mistake. For example, "The missing comma was a "minor oversight" that didn't affect the document's overall clarity".

What's a good alternative to "minor oversight"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "minor oversight" include "small mistake", "slight error", or "trivial mistake".

Is it appropriate to use "minor oversight" in formal writing?

Yes, "minor oversight" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a small error that doesn't have major implications. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "slight error" for a more polished tone.

What is the difference between "minor oversight" and "major oversight"?

"Minor oversight" refers to a small, easily correctable mistake, while "major oversight" indicates a significant error with potentially serious consequences. The key difference lies in the impact and severity of the mistake.