10 Other Ways Of Saying “Human Error”

“Human error” is something we say when we’re speaking of an unintentional error or action made by someone. However, this is a commonly used phrase and occasionally, we require something different. This article will take a look at other alternatives to this popular phrase.

What Can I Say Instead Of “Human Error”?

There is a multitude of phrases you can use instead of “human error”. This article will explore the following options:

• Everyone makes mistakes.
• It’s only natural.
• It happens to the best of us.
• A momentary lapse in judgement.
• Accidents happen
• A brain fart
• A personal mistake
• A human blunder
• A mishap
• A casual misstep

“Everyone makes mistakes” is the preferred alternative to use. This is because a “mistake” is generally made unintentionally, similar to a “human error”. Highlighting that mistakes are made by everyone, is a kinder approach to pointing out an accidental situation or error.

Everyone Makes Mistakes

“Everyone makes mistakes”, is a nicer approach to an often unfortunate situation. When folks make errors, they often feel quite embarrassed or guilty. It’s important to highlight the wrongdoing, but in a manner that showcases our ability to both help and forgives.

Making mistakes is an important part of life. It’s both how we grow and learn from a situation. This is why it’s important to handle moments of unintentional error or accidents, with kindness.

People, especially children, are more likely to admit to their errors truthfully when they feel as though they won’t be judged harshly.

Here are a few ways in which we case use this phrase in a sentence:

• I understand what went wrong and don’t worry, everyone makes mistakes.
• Thank you for being honest with me. Everyone makes mistakes and all we can do is try to learn from them.
• Everyone makes mistakes, but next time, let’s be honest with each other.

It’s Only Natural

We can say “it’s only natural” when discussing an error made by someone. As errors are generally not made purposefully, it’s important to note that it’s okay to make them. Pointing out the naturalness of a mistake will put a person’s worrying at ease.

We don’t want people to feel scared or timid when confronting a mistake. This is a natural occurrence and as long as the person is remorseful, that is what matters. We shouldn’t feel the need to shame someone for an error.

When we say “it’s only natural”, we’re pointing out the unity in making an error. Every human does this and it’s a commonality worth highlighting.

Check out these ways of using this phrase in a sentence:

• Don’t be so hard on yourself for making a mistake. It’s only natural!
• Making mistakes is a part of growing up and it’s only natural.
• It’s only natural to make errors in judgement.

It Happens To The Best Of Us

“It happens to the best of us”, is another great way of highlighting that everyone can make a mistake. We are once again drawing on the need to comfort someone in a moment of unfortunate judgement. This phrase is especially appropriate when someone is visibly upset.

Occasionally when folks make mistakes, especially when they affect others, they become visibly distraught. It’s important to try and diffuse these sorts of situations. This phrase is very reassuring, reminding the individual that this happens to everyone.

Being a comforting and safe person to speak to in moments of weakness is an excellent quality to hold. This is immensely true in terms of a person in a management or authoritative position.

Here are examples of how we can use this phrase in a sentence:

• Don’t worry about it! It happens to the best of us.
• It happens to the best of us, but we have to try and learn something from it.
• It’s okay and always remember, it happens to the best of us.

A Momentary Lapse In Judgement

“A momentary lapse in judgement”, is a saying that we can use when we are describing a mistake someone has made. It means that at the time of the error, the person wasn’t using their greatest judgement skills. This is not considered a rude statement.

Using this phrase, we are acknowledging that a person was thinking at their best when they made their error. Similarly, we can use this phrase when recognizing a mistake we have made in the past.

This phrase is not meant to come across as abrasive or rude. It’s merely a saying, meant to emphasize human nature in making a mistake. We all have the occasional lapse in judgement.

Now, let’s take a look at a few ways of using this phrase in a sentence:

• I had a momentary lapse in judgement.
• Associating with him wasn’t a good choice. I had a momentary lapse in judgement there.
• It was just a momentary lapse in judgement, don’t beat yourself up about it!

Accidents Happen

“Accidents happen” is a very commonly used phrase. This is often said to be reassuring to someone who’s just made a mistake. Accidents are a natural occurrence and this phrase attempts to emphasize that. It’s considered to be a kind reminder of accidental moments.

We say this when we want someone to know that accidents are common. Folks shouldn’t be made to feel added embarrassment, in a moment when they’re often already feeling that way.

There is a lot of reassurance to be found in commonality. This is an important message, that could lead to further discussion on what was learned from said accident.

Here are a few ways to use this phrase in a sentence:

• Accidents happen! It’s what we learn from them, that truly matters.
• Try not to give yourself such a hard time, accidents happen.
• Accidents happen, but let’s try our best to never do that again.

A Brain Fart

“A brain fart” is a funny and somewhat nonsensical phrase we can use to describe a moment of error. As opposed to making a moment of mistake serious, we can occasionally choose to laugh it off. Using this phrase is a good way of achieving that.

Instead of furthering an already upsetting moment, we can sometimes make somewhat of a joke out of it. This would generally only be used in moments of comical mistakes, not serious incidents.

As a brain can not fart, this saying is considerably nonsensical. It’s meant to describe a moment of pure judgment error. In other words, our brain has experienced a moment of blankness.

Check out these examples of how to use this funnier saying:

• Oh my goodness, you’ve entirely had a brain fart!
• I’d completely forgotten what I was about to grab! What a brain fart!
• I had a brain fart and couldn’t even tell who he was at first.

A Personal Mistake

Another alternative we can use is “a personal mistake”. We use this term when we have made a mistake ourselves. Recognizing our accidental moments is important and using this term allows us to do this. Whether we’ve made an error at work or home, this saying is applicable.

While it’s often necessary to help others navigate their mistakes, it’s equally important that we’re aware of how to handle our own. Recognition of our errors and learning from them are both crucial aspects of self-betterment.

It’s especially necessary to recognize our mistakes when they’ve affected someone else. In these cases, this phrase should be followed with an apology.

Let’s look at a few examples of how to use this in a sentence:

• I’m sorry, I’ve made a personal mistake and it’ll take me longer to submit my project.
• At work today I made a personal mistake and my boss wasn’t impressed.
• It was a personal mistake to think I was able to fix my car, without any experience.

A Human Blunder

“A human blunder” is a similar phrase we can use as another alternative. A blunder is considered a foolish or careless mistake, so we would use this in applicable circumstances. This could be considered another comical approach to dealing with a person’s mistake.

While a blunder is considered to be a negative mistake, we can attempt to alleviate a possible tension by finding humour in a situation. Again, we would only do this if the error made was comical, not if it’s caused harm, disrupted work, etc.

At the same time, if we’re attempting to give someone a harder time, we could also use this phrase. For example, an adult who continuously makes ridiculous errors because they refuse to change their ways.

Here are some ways in which we can use this phrase:

• Robbie, that was a human blunder! That’s your fifth time making that mistake this week.
• I had a human blunder at work. I just wasn’t thinking!
• I knew the ice was slippery and yet I still walked on it. What a human blunder!

A Mishap

We use “a mishap” whenever we or someone else, has had an unlucky or unfortunate incident occur. This is not something that is prepared for and it generally leaves the person experiencing the “mishap”, feeling quite upset. It’s important to approach moments like this with a level of kindness.

Occasionally, “a mishap” can be considerably funny. However, it’s important to note the feeling of the situation before assuming this.

In terms of an unlucky or unfortunate occurrence, we often want to consider the need to offer a form of comfort to those affected. This phrase can sometimes be used to describe very sad circumstances, like an unexpected or accidental death.

Here are a few examples of how to use this phrase in a sentence:

• I can’t believe we were just in a car accident, what a mishap!
• Although there was a mishap, we were able to bake the cake on time.
• Their ceremony proceeded without a mishap.

A Casual Misstep

The last alternative we will discuss is “a casual misstep”. This phrase is only used when an accident has occurred that is considered minor. The word “casual” implies that this is not a regular occurrence or cause for concern. Therefore, this can sometimes be viewed as a comical error.

When something occurs casually, it’s generally considered to have happened in a relaxed or unconcerned way. This means that the situation is nothing to stress an abundance over.

Much of the time, a casual occurrence can often be viewed as funny. As always, it’s important to read the mood of the person who’s had the accident. If they’re embarrassed, it’s not appropriate to poke fun.

Let’s check out some examples of how to use this phrase:

• I fell over walking into work this morning. Just a casual misstep!
• I thought I had put the book in my bag this morning. I guess I made a casual misstep in my routine.
• That mistake was a casual misstep, but regardless, I am sorry.

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