room for error

USAGE SUMMARY

"room for error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when speaking about mistakes that can happen, or when something is unpredictable. For example, "There is a lot of room for error when making financial predictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's no room for error".

The New York Times - Sports

"There isn't much room for error".

The New York Times - Sports

But there was little room for error.

The New York Times

There was, literally, no room for error.

The New York Times

"There is small room for error".

The New York Times

The studio has little room for error.

The New York Times

There is no room for error.

The New York Times - Arts

Livingston has little room for error.

The Guardian - Business

"We have no room for error".

The New York Times - Sports

Contreras barely had room for error.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was our no-room-for-error airfield.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project planning or risk assessment, use "room for error" to acknowledge potential deviations from the ideal outcome. For example, 'We need to build in some "room for error" in our budget to account for unexpected costs.'

Common error

While similar, "room for error" generally refers to a conceptual allowance for mistakes, whereas 'margin of error' often denotes a statistically calculated range of uncertainty, especially in surveys or scientific measurements. Use "room for error" when referring to general flexibility or leeway in a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "room for error" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'there is "room for error"') or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sports

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

12%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "room for error" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the degree of flexibility or tolerance for mistakes in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in news, sports, and business contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using the phrase, consider whether 'margin of error' might be a more appropriate term if you are referring to a statistically calculated range. Alternatives such as "leeway for mistakes" and "tolerance for inaccuracy" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

margin for error

Implies a specific quantifiable amount of permissible deviation.

allowance for slip-ups

Indicates an understanding and acceptance of minor errors or blunders.

leeway for mistakes

Focuses on flexibility and permissible errors.

latitude for mistakes

Suggests freedom and flexibility regarding potential errors.

tolerance for inaccuracy

Highlights the acceptance of some level of imprecision.

flexibility for inaccuracy

Emphasizes the adaptable approach when there's some level of imprecision

space for miscalculation

Emphasizes the possibility of mathematical or factual errors.

degree of tolerance

Highlights a specific extent of allowed variation or error.

opportunity for correction

Focuses on chances to fix errors that may arise.

scope for amendment

Relates to the possibility of modifying or improving something.

FAQs

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

You can use "room for error" to indicate the amount of flexibility or tolerance available in a situation. For example, "There's not much "room for error" in this surgery", meaning any mistake could have severe consequences.

What are some alternatives to "room for error"?

Alternatives to "room for error" include "margin for error", "leeway for mistakes", or "tolerance for inaccuracy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "room for error" in writing?

"Room for error" is suitable when discussing projects, plans, or situations where mistakes are possible, and a certain level of flexibility is necessary. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Is there a difference between "room for error" and "margin of error"?

While similar, "room for error" generally refers to a conceptual allowance for mistakes, whereas 'margin of error' is a statistically calculated range of uncertainty, particularly in scientific and research contexts. Use "room for error" for general flexibility.