zero tolerance for mistakes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zero tolerance for mistakes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where strict adherence to rules or standards is emphasized, particularly in professional or disciplinary settings. Example: "Our company has a zero tolerance for mistakes when it comes to safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At Stetson, he described his relationships with his law clerks this way: "Zero tolerance for mistakes, zero tolerance for excuses, zero tolerance for tardiness.

The New Yorker

Said work must be "on a professional level" with "zero tolerance for mistakes".

The New Yorker

While he would have preferred for it to have taken less time to put into effect, Mr. Holloway said there was a "zero tolerance" for mistakes.

The New York Times

Success Academy does not merely have high expectations and sets lofty goals; it single-mindedly pursues them with a near zero tolerance for mistakes and for any behavior outside its rigidly defined norms.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He said he would have "zero tolerance for police misconduct" as well as zero tolerance for crime.

The New York Times

Management has zero tolerance for negativity.

The New Yorker

"We have zero tolerance for this".

The New York Times

There's zero tolerance for hate speech".

The New York Times - Tech

We have zero tolerance for that.

The Guardian - Sport

There must be zero tolerance for intolerance.

The New York Times

"The answer is zero tolerance for corruption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "zero tolerance for mistakes", ensure that the standards and expectations are clearly defined and communicated to avoid ambiguity. This will help ensure that everyone understands what constitutes a mistake and the consequences thereof.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "zero tolerance for mistakes" in contexts where minor errors are inevitable or part of a learning process. Overusing it can create a stifling environment that discourages innovation and risk-taking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "zero tolerance for mistakes" functions as an idiomatic expression used to communicate a strict policy or attitude against errors. As Ludwig AI describes it, is a correct and usable term. The phrase is often found in contexts where precision and accuracy are paramount.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "zero tolerance for mistakes" is a powerful idiom used to express a strict policy against errors, commonly found in professional and formal environments. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable. While it effectively communicates the need for precision, its overuse can be detrimental to creativity and innovation. When using this phrase, clarity in defining expectations is crucial. Alternative phrases like "no margin for error" or "strict adherence to standards" may be suitable depending on the context. Major publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this term, further solidifying its place in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no margin for error

Emphasizes the absence of acceptable error levels.

unacceptable error rate

Focuses on the error rate being deemed intolerable.

strict adherence to standards

Highlights the importance of following rules without deviation.

no room for errors

Indicates errors are not permissible due to strict conditions.

intolerance of errors

Directly states that errors will not be tolerated.

demanding accuracy

Highlights the need for precise and correct outcomes.

complete precision required

Specifies that total exactness is a must.

high reliability expectations

Focuses on the reliability of results with errors being undesirable.

exactitude demanded

Emphasizes the insistence on being exact and accurate.

flawless execution needed

Stresses the necessity of performing without any flaws.

FAQs

How can I use "zero tolerance for mistakes" in a sentence?

You can use "zero tolerance for mistakes" to emphasize the importance of accuracy in specific situations. For example, "The company has a "zero tolerance for mistakes" policy when it comes to handling confidential data".

What does it mean to have "zero tolerance for mistakes"?

Having "zero tolerance for mistakes" means that errors are not permitted or accepted in a particular process or activity, and any deviation from the expected outcome will face consequences.

What are some alternative phrases to "zero tolerance for mistakes"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "no margin for error", "unacceptable error rate", or "strict adherence to standards" depending on the context.

In what kind of work environments is "zero tolerance for mistakes" common?

"Zero tolerance for mistakes" is often found in environments where accuracy and precision are critical, such as surgery, aviation, or financial trading.