Series of blunders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Series of blunders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence of mistakes or errors that have occurred, often leading to negative consequences. Example: "The project was a disaster, marked by a series of blunders that could have been easily avoided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He detailed a series of blunders that ended in tragedy.

The Guardian

But a series of blunders continue to keep that network elusive.

The New York Times - Tech

A series of blunders had dragged down public confidence in broadcast media.

The New York Times

The currently litigation reveals an embarrassing series of blunders by Hanmi that doomed the deal from the start.

Harvard University

Suddenly, a case that Mr Ashcroft had defied a judge's gag order to brag about became a series of blunders.

The Economist

The second followed the last in a series of blunders by the Australia full-back Dane Haylett-Petty.

The Guardian - Sport

Last month's incident comes four years after the Air Force committed a series of blunders in maintaining its nuclear arsenal.

The Washington Post

This is just one of a series of blunders since the start of E-ZPass in New Jersey.

The New York Times

However, because of a series of blunders, one of the most high profile murder investigations in recent times may never be solved.

Independent

Starting them young ReprintsA series of blunders betrays a failure to grasp the damage of perceived cronyism and the misuse of power.

The Economist

The Social Democrats have also suffered at the national level after a series of blunders by their main candidate for chancellor, Peer Steinbrück.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "series of blunders", ensure the context clearly indicates the negative consequences or impact resulting from these errors. Provide specific examples to strengthen the assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "series of blunders" in extremely informal settings. While grammatically correct, it carries a slightly formal tone. Opt for more casual alternatives like "bunch of mistakes" or "string of mess-ups" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "series of blunders" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates a collection of mistakes, as confirmed by Ludwig, which approves its usage and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "series of blunders" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a succession of mistakes that lead to negative outcomes. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and offers numerous real-world examples from reliable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its usefulness in reporting on failures and mishaps. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in very informal conversations, opting for more casual alternatives. Related phrases like "string of errors" or "chain of mistakes" provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

String of errors

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the mistakes, similar to beads on a string.

Chain of mistakes

Highlights the interconnectedness of the errors, suggesting one led to another.

Sequence of miscalculations

Emphasizes errors in judgment or planning.

Succession of failures

Focuses on the lack of success resulting from the errors.

Catalog of missteps

Suggests a detailed and extensive list of errors.

Cluster of mishaps

Focuses on the accidental nature of the errors, suggesting they were unfortunate events.

Comedy of errors

Implies a humorous or farcical aspect to the mistakes, often due to miscommunication or misunderstandings.

Parade of gaffes

Emphasizes public or embarrassing errors.

Litany of faults

Highlights a long and tedious list of shortcomings.

Run of bad luck

Attributes the errors to misfortune rather than incompetence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "series of blunders" in a sentence?

Use "series of blunders" to describe a sequence of mistakes or errors that have led to negative consequences. For example, "The company's failure was due to a series of blunders in its marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "series of blunders"?

You can use alternatives like "string of errors", "chain of mistakes", or "succession of failures" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "series of blunders" in formal writing?

Yes, "series of blunders" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious errors or failures. It is commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and business documents.

What's the difference between "series of blunders" and "comedy of errors"?

"Series of blunders" typically describes a sequence of mistakes with negative consequences. "Comedy of errors", on the other hand, implies a humorous or farcical situation resulting from a series of misunderstandings and mistakes. It is more lighthearted.