more margin for error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more margin for error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where there is flexibility or tolerance for mistakes or inaccuracies. Example: "In this project, we have more margin for error, allowing us to make adjustments as needed without jeopardizing the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But Federer, with his 945-point lead in the rankings, has much more margin for error in the sprint for No. 1.

The New York Times - Sports

Georgia and South Carolina were the preseason favorites in the SEC East, but if Tennessee finds a way to pull the division upset, Georgia has no more margin for error and Florida's early-season win over Tennessee becomes more important.

The New York Times

Maybe the Qatar Airlines model represents a more attainable future: having traditional airlines, which have more margin for error than newcomers, operate a few business-class-only flights on the routes on which premium seats are in highest demand.

The Economist

CASE STUDY NO. 3: PERRY AND IMPROVING ECONOMY Obama approval rating in November 2011: 43% G.D.P. growth in 2012: 4.0% Probability of winning the popular vote: Perry: 17%, Obama: 83% Imagine Rick Perry as the Republican nominee instead, and Obama has considerably more margin for error.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Any time one of those systems kicks in, it's because you, the driver, have made a mistake," says Cox. "They give us a little more margin for error in that respect, but they can't overcome the laws of physics".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When a captioner is transcribing a show live -- a news broadcast or a sporting event, for example -- there is a lot more margin for human error.

The New York Times

More creativity and more insistence on his involvement -- flanker screens, moving him repeatedly in various formations, hitch passes, short tosses, any design and play that puts his hands on the ball -- might have meant more points and more margin for defensive error.

The New York Times - Sports

As your dog progresses from the boogie board, a longer board allows for more margin of error.

WikiHow

If the public expects inflation to remain low and stable, central banks have a little more margin for error so that even if policy is somewhat looser than it should be, inflation is less likely to take off.

The Economist

"I don't think that would be your philosophy, because that just leaves more room for margin for error.

The New York Times

Companies like Lehman and, earlier, Bear Stearns saw going public as an excuse to take on more risk and act more recklessly, when in fact becoming a public company makes caution more important, since the margin for error is smaller, and the punishment for failure swifter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more margin for error", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes an 'error' and why there is increased tolerance for it. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "more margin for error" when the situation actually has very little tolerance for mistakes. Exaggerating the permissibility of errors can lead to carelessness and negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more margin for error" functions as a noun phrase that quantifies the degree of acceptable deviation or inaccuracy within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more margin for error" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies increased tolerance or flexibility for mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating situations where slight errors are permissible without severe consequences. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what constitutes an error and why there's a greater allowance for it. Alternatives such as "greater leeway" or "more room for mistakes" can also be used depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more room for mistakes

Indicates an increased physical or metaphorical space in which errors can occur.

greater allowance for mistakes

Emphasizes the permission or acceptance of errors to a larger extent.

more leeway for inaccuracies

Highlights the increased freedom to make slight deviations from what is correct or accurate.

greater flexibility for errors

Emphasizes the increased adaptability and ease in dealing with mistakes.

increased tolerance for errors

Focuses on the enhanced capacity to endure or accept mistakes without negative consequences.

more forgiving circumstances

Suggests that the situation is more lenient towards mistakes.

wider safety net

Metaphorically suggests a larger protective measure against the consequences of mistakes.

enhanced error tolerance

Stresses the improved ability of a system or process to withstand errors.

ample opportunity for correction

Highlights the availability of numerous chances to rectify errors.

increased capacity for error

Focuses on the ability to handle a higher volume of errors without significant impact.

FAQs

What does "more margin for error" mean?

The phrase "more margin for error" indicates that there is a greater degree of flexibility or tolerance for mistakes or inaccuracies in a particular situation. It suggests that minor errors will not have significant negative consequences.

How can I use "more margin for error" in a sentence?

You can use "more margin for error" to describe situations where there is room for mistakes without causing critical problems. For example: "In the initial phase of the project, we have "more margin for error", allowing us to experiment with different approaches."

What are some alternatives to "more margin for error"?

Alternatives to "more margin for error" include "greater leeway", "more room for mistakes", or "increased tolerance for errors". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to have "more margin for error" or less?

Generally, having "more margin for error" is preferable because it allows for flexibility and reduces the pressure to be perfect. However, in situations where precision is critical, less margin for error may be necessary to ensure accuracy and prevent significant consequences.