small fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor error or defect in something, such as a product, process, or behavior. Example: "The technician noted a small fault in the wiring that needed to be addressed before the system could be fully operational."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But compared to the actions of his predecessor, it's a small fault.

The New Yorker

Thankfully, your partner doesn't display these glaring failings too often, while your own small fault is very rarely exhibited, if at all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The logistics are much more complex," says Katrina, "if there's a small fault on something, you can't just send somebody over, in the way you can here, to sort it out".

Independent

His only small fault is that he overlooks the influence of Adam Smith, who from 1778 was living across Edinburgh's Canongate from Hutton, and the stoical cast of mind that forms the bedrock of Smith's thought.

The Guardian - Books

"Shakespeare's World," a collaboration between the Oxford English Dictionary and the Folger Shakespeare Library, reports that, in 1567, one Ralph Adderly wrote of his brother-in-law, "I do assure you he is unsuspected of any untruth or other notable crime (except a white lie) which is taken for a Small fault in these parts".

The New Yorker

For normal or near normal orientations, pipeline is expected to fail due to beam buckling at very small fault offsets.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The deep rooting favoured a large-scale fault propagation type of folding, whereas shallow-seated rooting favoured a small-scale fault propagation type of folding and block rotations.

Tectonophysics

Small faults can be found.

The New York Times

These are not small faults.

The New York Times - Books

How do we get a better understanding of the thousands of small faults in these areas?

The New York Times

The small faults in "The Coldest Night" exist in spaces that shadow the book's much larger successes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, quantify the "small fault" whenever possible to provide more precise information. For example, specify the size of a crack or the extent of a displacement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of a "small fault". Clearly differentiate it from more significant issues to maintain credibility and avoid unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small fault" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "fault". It describes a defect or imperfection that is of a minor or limited nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small fault" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to denote a minor imperfection or error. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a preference for its descriptive precision in these domains. When using "small fault", it is best practice to quantify or specify the nature of the fault for clarity, while avoiding overstatement of its impact. Related phrases include "minor defect" and "slight imperfection", offering subtle variations in emphasis. While not as common as more general terms, "small fault" serves as a useful and precise descriptor when a minor flaw needs to be identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small-scale geological fault

This alternative includes all the components and is more specific for geologic usages.

minor defect

Focuses on a slight imperfection in an object or system.

slight imperfection

Highlights a small deviation from perfection.

insignificant error

Emphasizes the unimportance of the mistake.

trivial flaw

Indicates a negligible blemish or weakness.

minor geological displacement

Specifically refers to a small shift in the earth's crust.

negligible shortcoming

Highlights the unimportance of the deficiency.

petty mistake

Emphasizes the insignificance of the error.

tiny fracture

Describes a very small crack or break.

superficial blemish

Refers to a surface-level flaw.

FAQs

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

You can use "small fault" to describe a minor imperfection or error. For example: "The engineer identified a "small fault" in the design, but it was easily corrected."

What are some alternatives to "small fault"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "minor defect", "slight imperfection", or "insignificant error".

Is it appropriate to use "small fault" in formal writing?

Yes, "small fault" is suitable for formal writing, especially in technical or scientific contexts. However, consider more precise terms if available.

What's the difference between "small fault" and "major fault" in geology?

In geology, a ""small fault"" refers to a minor displacement in the earth's crust, while a "major fault" involves significant movement and can have large-scale consequences.