unintentional errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unintentional errors" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to mistakes that occur without intention or purpose, often in contexts like writing, data entry, or communication. Example: "The report contained several unintentional errors that needed to be corrected before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

As a result, even the inadvertent and unintentional errors are documented.

The Guardian

All words (aside from unintentional errors and malapropisms) are words at their birth.

The New York Times

The lawyers said that the tax section in the partnership agreement was unclear and contained unintentional errors.

The New York Times

In a written statement issued Friday, Hachette said that Ms. Goodall had agreed to delay the book's release because she wanted to "correct any unintentional errors".

The New York Times

Whereas testing for faults in hardware or unintentional errors in software can be highly reliable, the same is not true for malicious software.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The third, Matthias Pröfrock, a new state lawmaker, conceded that he might have committed unintentional errors and has called on his university to recheck his thesis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Michael A. Cardozo, the city's corporation counsel, argued yesterday that the line in question was an unintentional error.

The New York Times

"However, she does not for a moment believe the use of her pictures was the product of unintentional error".

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors overseeing the Roger Clemens perjury case said Friday that they made an unintentional error when showing jurors inadmissible evidence that led to Clemens's mistrial last month.

The New York Times - Sports

Citing unnamed sources in the president's office, Egyptian state media said the initial scheduling was an unintentional error and quickly fixed.

The New York Times

Mr. Guccione, who had previously published an apology to both Ms. Soltesz-Benetton and Ms. Kournikova, released another statement yesterday in which he said, "We made a terrible, but wholly unintentional, error in publishing pictures of you as Anna Kournikova".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "unintentional errors" with specific examples to provide clarity and demonstrate the specific nature of the mistakes made.

Common error

Avoid using "unintentional errors" when there's a suspicion of deliberate manipulation or falsification. Using this phrase in such contexts can undermine trust and suggest a lack of accountability. Use stronger language like "misconduct" or "fraud" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unintentional errors" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject of a sentence. It describes mistakes or inaccuracies that occur without deliberate intent. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is used to clarify that errors were not made on purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unintentional errors" is a common noun phrase used to describe mistakes made without deliberate intent. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in both news media and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "inadvertent mistakes" or "accidental inaccuracies" exist, "unintentional errors" provides a clear and direct way to convey the accidental nature of mistakes. When using this phrase, ensure the context avoids any implication of deliberate action. Top sources using this expression include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadvertent mistakes

Highlights the accidental nature of the errors.

accidental inaccuracies

Emphasizes the lack of intention and focuses on the deviation from accuracy.

unwitting blunders

Suggests a lack of awareness or knowledge leading to the mistakes.

unintended flaws

Focuses on the imperfections that arose without being planned.

unforeseen defects

Stresses the unexpected nature of the errors, particularly in a product or system.

involuntary slips

Implies a momentary lapse or oversight leading to the error.

chance miscalculations

Highlights that the errors are related to a calculation process and happened randomly.

careless oversights

Emphasizes the lack of attention or diligence contributing to the error.

random faults

Focuses on errors that occurred without a predictable pattern.

erroneous oversights

Focuses on the neglect that lead to the error.

FAQs

How can I use "unintentional errors" in a sentence?

You can use "unintentional errors" to describe mistakes that were made without intention. For example: "The report contained several "unintentional errors" that needed to be corrected." or "Most overpayments result from "unintentional errors", not fraud."

What are some alternatives to "unintentional errors"?

Some alternatives include "inadvertent mistakes", "accidental inaccuracies", or "unwitting blunders", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "unintentional mistakes"?

While "mistakes" often imply a lack of intention, using "unintentional mistakes" can add emphasis and clarity, especially when distinguishing from deliberate errors. However, in most contexts, "mistakes" alone is sufficient.

What's the difference between "unintentional errors" and "negligence"?

"Unintentional errors" refer to mistakes made without intent, while "negligence" implies a failure to exercise reasonable care, which can lead to errors or harm. Negligence involves a degree of culpability or responsibility that "unintentional errors" may not.