modest error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or minor mistake in a context where errors are being discussed, such as in reports or feedback. Example: "The report contained a modest error in the calculations, but it did not affect the overall results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Resulting GF compression factors are directly related to interactive simulation speedup, and examples are provided with hundredfold improvements at modest error levels.

Stanford University

Wavelet GF compression factors are directly related to interactive simulation speedup, and examples are provided with hundredfold improvements at modest error levels.

Stanford University

We are able to map sensitively reads that have up to 10% of the bases in the reads being errors, as well as, reads that contain insertions and deletions up to 10 base pairs with modest error rates.

Plosone

Nevertheless, wide ranges of β and fHA exist that only induce a modest error in K1est.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

There were wide ranges of β and fHA values which only induce a modest error in K1est.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

In the case of second-generation reads, meaning larger input size and modest error rates, the key idea is to exploit the coverage of sequencing.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

There may well have been modest errors of misjudgement, such as John Yates and his relationship with NOTW deputy editor Neil Wallis and his employment at the Met, but is this not minor compared with the huge wider responsibilities this officer had for counter-terrorism?

Independent

The results of the simulation indicate that modest errors in registration do not lead to large survival differences.

British Journal of Cancer

Third, analyses of health insurance, surgeries and survival were unlikely to have been affected [ 41- 44] and modest errors very likely did not differ by socioeconomic factors [ 42].

BMC Health Services Research

Our modest genotyping error rate of 2.5% in the museum specimens suggests that while genotyping error has most likely occurred in our museum specimens, it cannot be the explanation for the striking differences in genetic diversity and allelic composition between the historical and contemporary populations.

Evolutionary Applications

Our data was not very variable and contained only a modest measurement error.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest error", ensure the context clearly indicates that the error's impact is minimal and does not significantly affect the overall outcome or conclusion. For example, "Despite the modest error in data entry, the final analysis remained valid."

Common error

Avoid using "modest error" when the error actually has substantial consequences. Overstating the error as "modest" can undermine credibility and create a false impression of accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest error" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "error". It describes the characteristic or quality of the error being small or insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest error" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to describe a small or insignificant mistake, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, particularly within scientific, academic, and news-related materials. Its purpose is to downplay the severity of an error, assuring the reader that its impact is minimal. When using this phrase, ensure that the error genuinely warrants such a description, as exaggerating its modesty could undermine your credibility. Alternatives such as "slight mistake" or "minor inaccuracy" can provide similar meanings, allowing you to adjust your tone based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insignificant error

Directly emphasizes the lack of importance of the error.

slight mistake

Replaces "error" with "mistake", implying a minor deviation from correctness.

minor inaccuracy

Substitutes "error" with "inaccuracy", suggesting a small deviation from precise accuracy.

small oversight

Replaces "error" with "oversight", emphasizing that the error was due to a failure to notice something.

negligible mistake

Highlights the insignificance of the mistake.

trivial mistake

Suggests the mistake is unimportant or easily disregarded.

minor slip-up

Uses a more informal, colloquial term for a small mistake.

pardonable error

Emphasizes the forgivable nature of the mistake.

small lapse

Suggests a temporary failure of judgment or memory.

venial error

Implies the error is slight and easily excused; more formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest error" to describe a small or insignificant mistake. For example: "The calculations contained a "modest error", but it did not affect the overall results."

What are some alternatives to "modest error"?

Alternatives include "slight mistake", "minor inaccuracy", or "insignificant error", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "modest error" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest error" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precise language is important. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "minor inaccuracy" if the context demands it.

What's the difference between "modest error" and "significant error"?

"Modest error" indicates a small, inconsequential mistake, while "significant error" suggests a mistake that has a notable impact on the results or conclusions.