more room for error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more room for error" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to indicate that there is a greater likelihood of making mistakes when dealing with a certain situation. For example, "With the new tax laws, there is more room for error when filing returns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The more time on their hands, the more room for error.

The New York Times - Sports

On lower-velocity items, there is slightly more room for error.

The Economist

"You've got a little more room for error and guys have to respect your fastball a little more".

The New York Times - Sports

Behind perhaps the league's finest offensive line, though, there may be a little more room for error.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a lot more room for error when you are talking as much as I am talking".

The New York Times

The European Championship can take pride in its intensity while it is still limited to 16 countries, but anxious coaches must wish there was more room for error.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

When you are under pressure, big pressure, sometimes the legs do not work normally," Capello told BBC Sport, before adding that there is no more room for errors.

The Guardian - Sport

In Tokyo, a low crime rate and a society accustomed to community ownership of public space has created, around Hanegi and approximately thirteen other such parks, a city where there is more room for innocent error.

The New Yorker

Beyond that, Petrobras hasn't left itself much more room for further error.

Forbes

The problem is exacerbated by the high speeds at which cattle are processed in industrial facilities (some slaughter as many as 400 cattle per hour), which creates more room for human error, increasing the likelihood of feces ending up on meat.

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project timelines, provide "more room for error" to accommodate unexpected delays or complications.

Common error

Don't use "more room for error" as an excuse for sloppy work. It's about acknowledging potential issues, not encouraging carelessness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more room for error" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates the degree of latitude or tolerance available in a given situation, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more room for error" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where mistakes are less critical and more easily tolerated. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and general contexts. While offering flexibility is beneficial, it's crucial not to equate this phrase with encouraging negligence, as there's a clear distinction between allowing for potential missteps and accepting substandard work. When precision is key, consider other expressions like "minimal margin for error" or "zero tolerance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greater room for error

Slightly emphasizes the extent of the allowed error.

more margin for error

Uses "margin" to highlight the allowable deviation.

increased room for mistakes

Highlights the aspect of increment in mistakes.

more leeway for errors

Replaces "room" with "leeway", suggesting flexibility.

greater tolerance for mistakes

Shifts focus to the acceptance of errors rather than available space.

expanded margin for error

Emphasizes the expansion or increase of the allowable deviation.

more scope for mistakes

Uses "scope" to indicate the extent or range of errors permitted.

more flexibility for errors

Focuses on the adaptability in handling errors.

more space for errors

Uses "space" to highlight the available space for errors.

greater latitude for error

Emphasizes the freedom or range of acceptable deviation.

FAQs

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

You can use "more room for error" to indicate a situation where small mistakes won't have severe consequences, for example: "The new system provides "more room for error" than the previous one".

What's a similar expression to "more room for error"?

Alternatives include "greater tolerance for mistakes", "more leeway for errors", or "more margin for error".

Is it better to say "more room for error" or "more room for errors"?

Both are grammatically acceptable, but "more room for error" is generally preferred. "More room for errors" might be used when specifically referring to multiple distinct mistakes.

What does it mean to have "more room for error"?

Having "more room for error" implies that there's a greater buffer or tolerance for mistakes without causing critical failure or significant negative impact.