small discrepancies

USAGE SUMMARY

"small discrepancies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe when two or more pieces of information, accounts, or ideas do not match up exactly. For example: "After comparing the two documents, we found several small discrepancies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Results showed that small discrepancies are present between different models.

Measurement

Small discrepancies in roundness of the servo catcher wheel prevented the design from being perfectly symmetrical.

Cornell University

But although incorrect matches can cause problems, so can dropping records that should be matched but have small discrepancies.

The Washington Post

Prohibiting officers from viewing the video first of course means granting some leniency for small discrepancies and inaccuracies.

The Washington Post

Regardless of small discrepancies between cities, these findings represent a policy reality that both public and private sectors across the country must confront.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A trader buys stocks and sells the equivalent amount of stock index futures, taking advantage of small discrepancies in prices in the two markets.

The New York Times

"I can detect small discrepancies which neurotypical [not on the autistic spectrum] people can't detect so my work is done slowly but is of very high quality".

The Guardian - Business

Only small discrepancies (maximum cumulative difference <10% at 63 μm) were found between the PSDs before and after vacuuming for all test soils.

Aeolian Research

A differential sensitivity study suggested that uncertainties in input parameters may account for the small discrepancies noticed between measured and calculated temperatures.

Energy and Buildings

The members played through the pieces in unison, without a drummer, so slowly and loudly that small discrepancies of timing produced dissonances that worked like sonar drills on your guts.

The New York Times - Arts

Small discrepancies in documentation or absence of an in-hand ancillary test result can drastically change the current workup or treatment decision of a complex patient with neurologic disease.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting research findings, use "small discrepancies" to acknowledge minor inconsistencies without undermining the overall validity of your results.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "small discrepancies". Ensure your language reflects their minor nature; otherwise, you risk misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small discrepancies" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies minor inconsistencies or variations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small discrepancies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote minor inconsistencies or variations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. It finds application across various contexts, notably in scientific research, news reporting, and academic discussions, where acknowledging minor differences is essential for maintaining credibility. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating the importance of these discrepancies and select the most suitable alternative, such as "minor variations" or "slight inconsistencies", based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor variations

Focuses on the aspect of slight change rather than disagreement.

slight inconsistencies

Emphasizes the lack of complete agreement between items.

negligible differences

Highlights the insignificance of the variations.

subtle variations

Focuses on how hard to perceive the change is.

minor differences

Highlights the size of the difference.

marginal errors

Indicates that the deviations are within acceptable limits.

small deviations

Emphasizes that these are departures from an expected norm.

tiny disparities

Emphasizes a difference in quantity or quality.

limited divergences

Implies a separation or branching off in different directions, but to a small extent.

modest variations

Emphasizes the temperate or humble nature of the variations.

FAQs

How can I use "small discrepancies" in a sentence?

You can use "small discrepancies" to point out minor differences between two sets of data, reports, or observations. For example: "The audit revealed "small discrepancies" in the financial records".

What's the difference between "small discrepancies" and "major discrepancies"?

"Small discrepancies" refer to minor inconsistencies or differences, while "major discrepancies" indicate significant disagreements or variations that could have a substantial impact.

Are there situations where even "small discrepancies" matter?

Yes, even seemingly "small discrepancies" can be significant in fields like accounting, engineering, or medicine, where precision is crucial and even minor errors can lead to serious consequences.

What are some alternative phrases for "small discrepancies"?

Alternatives include "minor variations", "slight inconsistencies", or "negligible differences". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of difference you want to convey.