trivial mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"trivial mistake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a small or insignificant error or error that is not important in the overall context. It can also be used to convey a sense of something being unimportant or insignificant. Example: "Although she had studied for hours, she still made a trivial mistake on the spelling test." In this example, the mistake is not significant and does not affect the overall outcome of the test.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It was a silly but manifestly trivial mistake.

The Guardian

The sponsors argued that they made a trivial mistake — a typo that lawyers refer to as a "scrivener's error" — that should be overlooked.

The New York Times

He was a demanding boss who flew into rages over the most trivial mistake and rarely had praise for a job well done.

The New York Times

On Tuesday New York City's Board of Elections, in response to a challenge from the state Republican Party, knocked Mr. McCain off the ballot in Brooklyn's 12th Congressional district because of a truly trivial mistake.

The New York Times

Furthermore, careless oversights, such as the misspelling of my mum's name in emails that I had to correct, go deeper than just a trivial mistake; this echoes a disrespect for the victims and disregard for accuracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since the Opera (Oscillation Project with Emulsion-tRacking Apparatus) team announced their results, physicists around the world have published scores of online papers trying to explain the strange finding as either the result of a trivial mistake or evidence for new physics.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

These techniques also enable the selection of optimal experimental conditions, helping to avoid trivial mistakes during optimization.

Microchemical Journal

As a finishing touch, you introduce some trivial mistakes into the document, which the suspect will correct and initial.

The New Yorker

It is a superficial account, drawn mostly, to judge by the footnotes, from reference books, though interspersed with a few anecdotes (and too many trivial mistakes).

The Economist

"You understand well that we cannot reply to anybody claiming to have an explanation of our result in terms of trivial mistakes," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Even so, this and one or two other trivial mistakes were presented by some as further proof that scientists cannot be trusted and that warming is a hoax.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trivial mistake", consider the audience and context. In formal settings, more precise language might be preferred, while in informal settings, it effectively conveys the lack of importance.

Common error

Avoid using "trivial mistake" when the error actually has significant consequences. Ensure the adjective accurately reflects the true impact of the mistake to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial mistake" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "trivial" modifies the noun "mistake". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard grammar rules. The phrase identifies a mistake and characterizes it as being of little importance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trivial mistake" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively describes an error of little consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its adherence to standard grammar. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and academic texts, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the mistake's insignificance is accurately represented to maintain clarity and avoid miscommunication. Related phrases such as "minor mistake" or "insignificant mistake" can be used as alternatives to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insignificant mistake

Replaces "trivial" with "insignificant", emphasizing the lack of importance.

minor mistake

Uses "minor" instead of "trivial", highlighting the small scale of the error.

petty mistake

Substitutes "trivial" with "petty", suggesting the mistake is insignificant and possibly annoying.

slight mistake

Replaces "trivial" with "slight", indicating a small and easily overlooked error.

negligible mistake

Emphasizes that the mistake is so small it can be disregarded.

unimportant mistake

Directly states that the mistake lacks importance.

inconsequential mistake

Highlights that the mistake has no significant consequences.

mere mistake

Downplays the significance of the mistake, portraying it as nothing more than a simple error.

small oversight

Replaces "mistake" with "oversight", suggesting a careless but minor error.

forgivable mistake

Highlights that the mistake is understandable and should be excused.

FAQs

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

You can use "trivial mistake" to describe an error that is small and insignificant. For example: "Although the report had a few errors, they were all considered a "trivial mistake" and didn't affect the overall findings."

What can I say instead of "trivial mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "minor mistake", "insignificant mistake", or "petty mistake" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to admit to making a "trivial mistake" in a professional setting?

Yes, admitting to a "trivial mistake" can demonstrate honesty and attention to detail. However, be sure to emphasize its lack of impact on the overall outcome to avoid raising unnecessary concerns.

What's the difference between a "trivial mistake" and a "careless mistake"?

A ""trivial mistake"" refers to the insignificance of the error itself, while a "careless mistake" emphasizes the lack of attention or effort that led to the error. A careless mistake might or might not be trivial.