provide margin for error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide 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 project timeline, it's important to provide margin for error to account for any unforeseen delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We also provide margin distribution bounds for generalization error of voting classifiers in finite VC-dimension space.

Artificial Intelligence

That does not provide much margin for error.

The New York Times

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

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

These valuations leave little margin for error.

Forbes

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

He wasn't throwing as hard — his fastball velocity dropped from 93.1 mph in 2017 to 90.9 mph this season — and spent the regular season adjusting as necessary to counter the trimmer margin for error provided by his diminished stuff.

Los Angeles Times

The best thing they could do for readers would be to persuade Nielsen to provide the margin of error for any data it provides to The Times.

The New York Times

Most top executives I provide counsel to today work beneath a sword of Damocles with very little margin for error and fast-ticking clock.

Huffington Post

(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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning projects, quantify the "margin for error" by estimating potential delays, overspending, or other risks. This allows for proactive resource allocation and risk mitigation. For example, allocate 10-15% extra time and budget to account for unforeseen issues.

Common error

Avoid assuming that initial estimates are perfectly accurate. Failing to "provide margin for error" due to overconfidence can lead to project failure, budget overruns, and missed deadlines. Always factor in potential uncertainties and risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide margin for error" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating or allowing for potential inaccuracies, mistakes, or unexpected variations within a plan, budget, or process. Ludwig AI confirms this interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide margin for error" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advocate for realistic planning that includes allowances for potential mistakes or unforeseen circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's prevalent in news, academic and business contexts, emphasizing its importance in various fields. Related phrases include "allow for mistakes" and "build in a buffer", each offering slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, quantify the margin and avoid overconfidence in initial estimates to ensure effective risk mitigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow for mistakes

Focuses directly on the concept of mistakes happening, simplifying the expression.

build in a buffer

Uses the metaphor of a "buffer" to suggest a safety net or cushion against potential problems.

create a safety net

Emphasizes the protective aspect of having extra resources or time.

leave room for adjustments

Highlights the flexibility needed to adapt to changing circumstances.

include contingency plans

Focuses on having backup plans in case of unexpected events.

give leeway

Suggests granting freedom or flexibility in how something is done.

offer a cushion

Uses the idea of "cushion" to give a level of comfort in a process.

establish a safety factor

Emphasizes the importance of including a coefficient to the designed structure.

permit some tolerance

The term tolerance is used instead of margin, emphasizing acceptance of variation.

set aside resources for the unexpected

Highlights the action of reserving resources ahead of time in the event of something occurring that requires them.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide margin for error" in sentences like: "It's crucial to "provide margin for error" when estimating project timelines", or "The budget should "provide margin for error" to accommodate unexpected expenses".

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

Alternatives include "allow for mistakes", "build in a buffer", or "include contingency plans". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of accommodating potential issues.

When is it most important to "provide margin for error"?

It's most important to "provide margin for error" when dealing with complex projects, uncertain conditions, or critical tasks where mistakes can have significant consequences. High-stakes situations demand careful planning and allowances for potential problems.

What happens if I don't "provide margin for error"?

Failing to "provide margin for error" can lead to missed deadlines, budget overruns, increased stress, and ultimately, project failure. It's essential to anticipate potential problems and allocate resources accordingly.