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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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miscalculation

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miscalculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an error in judgment or a mistake in mathematical computation or estimation. Example: "The project's delay was due to a significant miscalculation in the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More than 20 years after it was abolished, Margaret Thatcher's poll tax remains the locus classicus for domestic political miscalculation and the yardstick by which all other UK governmental policy ineptitudes are still judged.

His biggest strategic miscalculation was not to use the leverage he had over George Bush as the only substantial western ally to join the 2003 invasion – the "coalition of the willing" – to extract a better plan for the occupation of Saddam Hussein's ill-governed state once the fighting was over (even sooner than expected).

News & Media

The Guardian

He said: "While the threat from Russia, together with the risk it brings of a miscalculation resulting in a slide into strategic conflict, however unlikely we see that as being right now, represents an obvious existential threat to our whole being, we of course face threats from Isis and other instabilities to our way of life and the security of our loved ones".

News & Media

The Guardian

"Because when tensions are high, the risks of miscalculation resulting in conflict are very real".

News & Media

The Guardian

But the miscalculation that currently frustrates is Varoufakis's failure to outline how pensions, the health service, the tax system and state enterprises will be reformed under Syriza.

News & Media

The Guardian

Experts including Juliet Gardiner and Max Hastings assess the man's unworldliness (he'd never been on a bus), his lack of empathy with working people, and the miscalculation that led the Conservative party to dwell on Churchill's achievements, rather than focusing on what voters wanted more than anything else: to look to the future.

But this week a University of Massachusetts student, Thomas Herndon, and two professors, Robert Pollin and Michael Ash, uncovered "miscalculation, data errors and unsupportable statistical techniques" that have blown the austerians case out of the water.

Yet through a mixture of miscalculation and mutual frustration, it could happen.

News & Media

The Economist

Some of them, former cold warriors, shared a guilty awareness of how close the planet had come to destruction as a result of accident and miscalculation.

News & Media

The Economist

If Britons voted to reject the revised treaty there would be redoubled pressure for a second referendum, on their membership of the European club.There is a fourth scenario: simple diplomatic miscalculation.

News & Media

The Economist

Cheaper than a penny stock It's not a good thing Cautionary tales Keep it weak Miscalculation Taking stock Judicial publication Our new financial column Reprints Related items The Wall Street settlement: A sour aftertasteMay 1st 2003However, banks and insurers disagree strongly over how the burden of the scandal should be shared.

News & Media

The Economist
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential conflicts or international relations, use "miscalculation" to highlight the risk of unintentional escalation due to faulty assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "miscalculation" when the situation involves a deliberate discounting of risks or capabilities. "Miscalculation" implies an unintentional error, whereas underestimation suggests a conscious, albeit flawed, judgment.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The word "miscalculation" primarily functions as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it denotes an incorrect or mistaken calculation. It is often used to describe errors in planning, estimations, or strategic decisions, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "miscalculation" is a noun used to describe an incorrect or mistaken calculation, with Ludwig AI data showing a very common usage across diverse contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as formal business and scientific publications. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is used to identify and explain errors in judgment, estimations, and strategic decisions. To avoid common errors, ensure "miscalculation" is used when referring to unintentional errors, distinguishing it from deliberate underestimations. Remember that there are various ways to express the concept with alternatives such as "erroneous calculation", "faulty estimation", or "incorrect assessment".

FAQs

How can I use "miscalculation" in a sentence?

You can use "miscalculation" to describe an error in judgment or a mistake in a calculation. For instance, "The project failed due to a significant miscalculation of costs."

What are some alternatives to "miscalculation"?

You can use alternatives like "erroneous calculation", "faulty estimation", or "incorrect assessment" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "miscalculation" and "error"?

"Error" is a general term for a mistake, while "miscalculation" specifically refers to an error in computation or estimation. A "strategic blunder" is an error, but not always a miscalculation.

What's the difference between "miscalculation" and "underestimation"?

"Miscalculation" implies an unintentional error in judgment or estimation, while "underestimation" suggests a conscious, though flawed, discounting of risks or capabilities. Using the term "oversight" is different because it focuses on not seeing a risk instead of estimating it.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: