slight error

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight error" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing a small or minor mistake or inaccuracy. Example: "The report was well-written, but there was a slight error in the calculations that lowered the overall accuracy of the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

There was a slight error on our signage.

The New Yorker

He hoped that his partner held the ace, but it proved to be a slight error.

The New York Times - Arts

The polar climate's pitiless ability to expose any slight error and reward it with death caught the imaginations of millions.

The Guardian - Books

Why on earth, my friend asked afterward, did they invite you? "A slight error of name," I explained.

The New York Times

It doesn't actually have 666 panels, but apart from that slight error, the Da Vinci code is entirely factually correct: it is the Holy Grail.

The Guardian - Arts

There's generally a fair balance between the worthy foreign films and intelligent Hollywood creations, although a lengthy run of Sex and the City 2 springs to mind as a slight error of judgement.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

She worked faster on less iconic scenes, because customers didn't notice slight errors.

The New Yorker

One reason is that slight errors in a political contest matter less in market research.

The Guardian - Opinion

Relatively slight errors in the initial population count, c, or in the breeding rate, a, will cause quite large errors in prediction, even if no disturbing influences occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are three main differences: (i) the raw data for the 10% share between 1810 and 1920 looks slightly different (as Giles discussed in his blog post, Piketty seems to have made slight errors in the wealth statistic for 1870 and inserted an additional data points for 1910) but this does not change the overall pattern of the graph significantly.

The Guardian

Even slight errors can result in instant stock-price wipeouts.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight error", ensure the context clarifies the nature and impact of the error. Providing specific details helps the reader understand the significance (or lack thereof) of the mistake.

Common error

Avoid using "slight error" when the mistake has significant consequences. If the error led to substantial damage or misrepresentation, use more appropriate terms like "serious error" or "critical mistake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight error" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a mistake or inaccuracy that is of minor importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight error" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minor mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. When using "slight error", ensure the context accurately reflects the error's insignificance, and avoid exaggerating its impact. Alternatives like "minor mistake" or "small inaccuracy" can be used for variety, while emphasizing the context's overall meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor mistake

Focuses on the action that produces the "error", not the "error" itself.

small inaccuracy

Replaces "error" with "inaccuracy", emphasizing a lack of precision.

negligible oversight

Highlights the lack of attention or care that caused the "error".

trivial fault

Emphasizes the unimportance of the "error".

insignificant slip-up

Implies a momentary lapse or mistake.

minor lapse

Suggests a temporary deviation from the norm.

small blunder

Refers to a stupid or careless mistake.

technical glitch

Refers to a fault in a machine or piece of equipment.

harmless typo

Focuses on the error being in a typed text.

venial sin

Refers to a slight and pardonable sin.

FAQs

How can I use "slight error" in a sentence?

You can use "slight error" to describe a minor mistake or inaccuracy. For example, "There was a slight error in the calculations, but it didn't affect the final result."

What are some alternatives to "slight error"?

Some alternatives to "slight error" include "minor mistake", "small inaccuracy", or "negligible oversight", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight error" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight error" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a minor mistake. However, ensure the tone remains professional and objective.

What's the difference between "slight error" and "major error"?

"Slight error" refers to a small, insignificant mistake, while "major error" indicates a significant mistake with potentially serious consequences. Choose the term that accurately reflects the impact of the error.