systematic mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "systematic mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error that occurs consistently due to a particular method or system in place. Example: "The team identified a systematic mistake in their data collection process that led to inaccurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We are prone to a systematic mistake.

Huffington Post

As the half-life of ghrelin is short – approximately 15 min – a systematic mistake in the analysis was thought likely, but an independent, blinded laboratory confirmed our results.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They make systematic mistakes.

The New Yorker

But I learned really quickly what my systematic mistakes were.

Harvard Business Review

They've found that all of us, even professional dieticians, make systematic mistakes when estimating how many calories are on a plate.

The New York Times - Science

This "meta-bias" is rooted in our ability to spot systematic mistakes in the decisions of others — we excel at noticing the flaws of friends — and inability to spot those same mistakes in ourselves.

The New Yorker

Evidence in support of this theory includes the tendency of children to make systematic mistakes which indicate a tendency to impose rules on what turn out to be grammatical exceptions (eg, "I dided it" instead of "I did it").

The Economist

Perhaps our most dangerous bias is that we naturally assume that everyone else is more susceptible to thinking errors, a tendency known as the "bias blind spot". This "meta-bias" is rooted in our ability to spot systematic mistakes in the decisions of others we excel at noticing the flaws of friends—and inability to spot those same mistakes in ourselves.

The New Yorker

Applying the finding that most failures of timber structures are not caused by random occurrences or local defects, but by global (repetitive) defects (e.g. from systematic mistakes), it is shown that the objective of load transfer often mentioned as preferable should be critically analysed for such structures.

Engineering Structures

Analysts are prone to use flawed methodologies, suffer from conflicts of interest, and make systematic mistakes.

Forbes

Results of Experiment 1 revealed more systematic mistakes in the real-objects than the static-images condition.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "systematic mistake", be specific about the system or process in which the mistake occurs. Providing context helps to understand the root cause and potential solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "systematic mistake" to describe a one-time error. The phrase implies a recurring issue embedded within a process or system. Use "isolated mistake" or "one-off error" instead for singular incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "systematic mistake" functions as a noun phrase, where "systematic" modifies "mistake". It describes a type of error that is not random but occurs repeatedly due to an underlying cause or flawed process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "systematic mistake" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe recurring errors arising from a flawed system or process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using the phrase, ensure you're referring to a pattern of errors, not an isolated incident. Consider using synonyms like "consistent error" or "systematic error" for variety. Its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes underscores its credibility and widespread use. Remember, understanding the underlying system is crucial for addressing a "systematic mistake" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

systematic error

Direct synonym, emphasizing the error's origin within a system.

consistent error

Replaces "mistake" with "error" emphasizing the consistent nature of the inaccuracy.

recurring error

Highlights the repeated nature of the mistake.

predictable error

Focuses on the anticipated nature of the mistake.

consistent inaccuracy

Substitutes both words, highlighting the lack of precision that occurs regularly.

patterned mistake

Highlights the presence of a recognizable pattern in the errors.

repeated flaw

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the defect or imperfection.

regular blunder

Uses a more informal word "blunder" for mistake but retains the sense of regularity.

structural fault

Implies the mistake arises from a fundamental problem in the design or organization.

methodical flaw

Focuses on the flawed process as the source of error.

FAQs

How can I use "systematic mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "systematic mistake" to describe recurring errors within a process, like "The audit revealed a "systematic mistake" in the accounting department's data entry process."

What's the difference between a "systematic mistake" and a random error?

A "systematic mistake" implies a predictable error due to a flaw in the system, while a random error is unpredictable and not attributable to a specific cause. You could say the "predictable error" stems from the system in question.

What are some synonyms for "systematic mistake"?

Alternatives include "consistent error", "recurring error", or "systematic error", each emphasizing the recurring and predictable nature of the mistake.

When is it appropriate to use the term "systematic mistake"?

Use "systematic mistake" when you can identify a consistent, repeatable error stemming from a flawed process, rather than an isolated incident. For example, if a calculation error always occurs in the same step of a process, it's a "systematic mistake".