there is a small error

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "there is a small error" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a mistake in a document, project, or the like. For example, "I noticed there is a small error in the spreadsheet I sent you earlier, could you please update it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, there is a small error in that it states, "he got into Yale because of racial preferences... .....

The Economist

If there is a small error in a story that does not alter its editorial meaning (eg name misspelling), the correction will be made without an additional note.

BBC

Therefore, the small departure of B from zero in the "sample-free" region indicates that there is a small error resulting from the linear fit.

Biomedical Optics Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There was a small error towards higher observed concentrates for the low concentration solutes (magnesium and calcium), no systematic error for potassium 3 mmol/L and a clear systematic error towards lower observed concentrations for potassium 4 mmol/L.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Also, there is a small typographical error (the authors stated 98 patients with 198 knees, however, I believe this should be 196 knees) when they state their case numbers.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Thus, we have ∼16 19% of the variation unaccounted for, but given that there is a small measurement error in the determination of A1C (perhaps 2 5%), and a larger coefficient of variation in the measurement of glucose (10 20%), the constraints imposed by methodology can explain the residual variation.

Diabetes Care

"There is a small but irreducible error rate because babies do switch in utero," Druzin said.

Stanford University

Curvy Barbie's measurements for this exercise were done using thread which was then measured, so there is a small margin for error.

BBC

(Mind you, "Absolutist is only really a tenable strategy when there is no noise in the players' information or actions. If there is a small chance of error in information or action, then Absolutists end up defecting on each other and can never break out of this").

TechCrunch

The lowest value for the 25th percentile was 64.4% for male catheterisation, the other stations ranging from 81.25% to 92.3% (nasogastric tube insertion) Across all stations there were a small and variable number of errors and omissions for assembling equipment, sequencing and hand washing and aseptic technique, e.g. failure to wear apron/gloves as per local policy.

BMC Medical Education

There is a small difference between RMS errors for ANN and MLR model which is slightly in favour of the developed MLR model.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When pointing out "there is a small error", be specific about its location and nature to facilitate quick correction.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "there is a small error". Acknowledge it directly, but avoid dwelling on it if it's truly minor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a small error" functions as an assertion, directly pointing out the existence of a minor mistake. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It serves to acknowledge an imperfection without assigning blame or dwelling on its severity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

10%

Science & Research

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is a small error" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for pointing out minor mistakes across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and informal communication, with a neutral tone. While "there is a small error" is quite versatile, carefully consider whether alternative phrasing might offer greater precision or nuance. Remember, being specific about the error's location and nature can help facilitate prompt correction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor error exists

This alternative uses "exists" instead of "there is", which sounds slightly more formal.

a slight mistake is present

This phrase replaces "error" with "mistake" and uses "is present", emphasizing the mistake's existence.

a trivial error has occurred

By using the word "trivial", the phrase suggests that the error is insignificant. It also uses the past tense "has occurred."

a negligible fault is apparent

This alternative uses "negligible fault", suggesting the error is so small it's almost not worth considering. "Apparent" implies it's noticeable.

the document contains a minor inaccuracy

This alternative is more formal, using "inaccuracy" instead of "error" and specifying that it is contained in a document.

the data includes a slight deviation

This phrase is suited for technical contexts where "deviation" suggests a departure from expected values.

there's a small oversight

The word "oversight" suggests the error happened because something was not noticed or properly considered.

we identified a minor glitch

This phrase is often used in technical or software-related contexts, where a "glitch" implies a temporary or easily fixed problem.

a small discrepancy is present

This alternative suggests a difference or inconsistency, often used when comparing two sets of data or information.

there's a tiny imperfection

This phrase implies that the error is so small that it's almost unnoticeable, focusing on the aesthetic aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a small error" in a sentence?

You can use "there is a small error" to point out a minor mistake. For example, "There is a small error in the calculation, but it doesn't affect the final result."

What's the difference between "there is a small error" and "there is a major error"?

"There is a small error" indicates a minor mistake, while "there is a major error" suggests a significant problem that could have serious consequences.

What can I say instead of "there is a small error"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor error exists", "a slight mistake is present", or "a trivial error has occurred" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "there is a small error" in formal writing?

Yes, "there is a small error" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider using a more precise or technical term depending on the field, such as "the document contains a minor inaccuracy".