provide a margin for error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a margin for error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the allowance for mistakes or inaccuracies in a plan, calculation, or process. Example: "When planning the budget, it's important to provide a margin for error to account for unexpected expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although rejecting the New York Times malice standard where the plaintiff is neither a public official nor a public figure, there the Court nevertheless deprived the private plaintiff of his common-law remedies, making recovery more difficult in order to provide a margin for error.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(0th order appears high for these two observations because they were made with Yoffset=0.7', which moves 0th order off the low-gain on-axis aimpoint.) The gold curve is the gain correction factor used for post-voltagechange observations (with an additional 6% adjustment to provide a margin of error for filtering).

Harvard University

An extra vine or two would provide a margin of error.

The New York Times

"There is a margin for error".

The New York Times

I don't have much of a margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

There wasn't much of a margin for error".

The New York Times - Sports

That does not provide much margin for error.

The New York Times

If the one new salesperson has a bad month or takes a vacation, the company suffers, whereas three salespeople provide margin for error.

Forbes

Bouchard came out firing in the second set but her hard, flat hitting provides scant margin for error and can, as it was here, be a millstone when things are less than 100%.

The Guardian - Sport

It also provides a margin of safety in case standard errors in estimates of the impact of EYEP are larger than for the Abecedarian trial.

BMC Public Health

Fortunately, New York has very few serious elections and most races are decided by huge margins that provide very wide margins for error.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project planning, "provide a margin for error" by allocating extra time for each task. This accounts for unforeseen delays and ensures timely completion.

Common error

Don't assume that initial estimates are always accurate. Failing to "provide a margin for error" can lead to significant problems if the original assumptions prove incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a margin for error" functions as a recommendation or instruction. It advises incorporating a buffer or allowance for potential mistakes or inaccuracies in planning or execution, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

30%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provide a margin for error" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that advises incorporating a buffer for potential mistakes or inaccuracies in planning and execution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability across diverse contexts, with a prevalence in news, academic, and scientific domains. When writing, it's crucial to remember that you should "provide a margin for error" in both financial and project planning. This means setting aside extra resources or time to deal with unforeseen issues, while simultaneously avoiding overconfidence in initial estimates to prevent potential setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow for potential errors

Focuses on the act of allowing for mistakes that might occur, making it a more direct statement.

include a buffer for mistakes

Uses "buffer" to suggest a cushion against errors, highlighting the safety aspect.

build in some leeway

"Leeway" implies flexibility, indicating that the plan can tolerate some deviation.

leave room for error

Suggests creating space within the plan to accommodate mistakes, emphasizing preparedness.

account for possible inaccuracies

Highlights the aspect of acknowledging and dealing with inaccuracies in the plan.

provide a safety net

Uses the metaphor of a safety net to emphasize protection from negative consequences of errors.

factor in tolerance

Implies that a certain level of error is acceptable and expected within the given constraints.

incorporate contingency plans

Focuses on planning for unforeseen circumstances and having backup strategies.

add a cushion for uncertainty

Highlights the presence of uncertainty and adding a cushion to absorb the impact of unexpected events.

plan for potential discrepancies

Suggests anticipating that differences may arise and preparing to address them proactively.

FAQs

How can I "provide a margin for error" in financial planning?

In financial planning, "providing a margin for error" means including extra funds or resources beyond what you expect to need. This buffer can help cover unexpected expenses or changes in income. Consider also alternatives like "allowing for potential errors".

When is it crucial to "provide a margin for error"?

It's particularly important to "provide a margin for error" in situations involving uncertainty, high stakes, or critical deadlines. For instance, in project management or medical procedures, having a buffer can mitigate risks and ensure better outcomes. Consider also alternatives like "building in some leeway".

What are the risks of not "providing a margin for error"?

Failing to "provide a margin for error" can lead to various problems, such as project delays, financial shortfalls, or compromised quality. Without a buffer, even small setbacks can have significant consequences. You might want to "allow for potential errors".

Can you suggest a phrase similar to "provide a margin for error"?

Alternatives to "provide a margin for error" include "leave room for error", "include a buffer for mistakes", or "account for possible inaccuracies", depending on the specific context. All of them can be used to denote planning for potential mistakes.