a big flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant defect or weakness in something, such as a plan, argument, or product. Example: "The report had a big flaw in its methodology, which undermined the validity of the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He is incompetent, always a big flaw with fanatics.

Independent

But there is a big flaw with those figures.

The New York Times

Her rental had a big flaw — it was an interior apartment, dark and cavelike.

The New York Times

But there is a big flaw in the concept, according to the operators: Networks have never been neutral.

The New York Times - Tech

But Terry Erwin, an entomologist at the Smithsonian Institution, think there's a big flaw in the study.

The New York Times - Science

But there's a big flaw in this supposed erasure of the marriage penalty: It doesn't erase the marriage penalty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A bigger flaw is in Mr. Gibney's effort to show that wealth breeds callousness and misanthropy.

The New York Times - Arts

A bigger flaw, he said, was not knowing whether the 100 survey respondents who were aware of the data manipulation were talking about the same few instances.

The New York Times

A bigger flaw is that the app does not yet include Twitter or Facebook feeds, but it still scores big points by identifying "trending" articles in various genres, which is great if you care deeply about particular topics.

The New York Times - Tech

A bigger flaw is the re-creation of dialogue 50 years on, a trick that gives the narrative immediacy but erodes the credibility that the author's research has earned.Eichmann himself comes across as a pathetic figure, dwarfed both by the evil he committed and the efforts made to catch him.

The Economist

But a bigger flaw is that the government's housing policy doesn't acknowledge that a genuine, lasting solution to the housing crisis means reducing the loan balances of financially stressed homeowners to levels that make sense in terms of today's sharply reduced home values.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big flaw", ensure that the context clearly identifies what the flaw pertains to. Provide specific details to clarify the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a big flaw" when the issue is relatively minor. Overstating the problem can undermine your credibility. Instead, use more moderate terms if the flaw is not actually that significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big flaw" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. It identifies a significant defect or weakness, as shown in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big flaw" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to identify a significant imperfection or weakness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what the flaw pertains to and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives like "a major weakness" or "a significant shortcoming" can be used for nuanced expression. Always aim for constructive criticism when pointing out such flaws.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major weakness

Replaces "flaw" with "weakness" and "big" with "major", emphasizing the significance of the deficiency.

a critical defect

Substitutes "flaw" with "defect" and "big" with "critical", suggesting a severe imperfection.

a significant shortcoming

Replaces "flaw" with "shortcoming" and "big" with "significant", indicating a notable deficiency.

a serious imperfection

Substitutes "flaw" with "imperfection" and "big" with "serious", conveying a grave fault.

a substantial fault

Replaces "flaw" with "fault" and "big" with "substantial", highlighting a considerable error.

a considerable failing

Replaces "flaw" with "failing" and "big" with "considerable", indicating a noteworthy lapse.

a glaring weakness

Uses "glaring" to emphasize the obviousness and severity of the weakness, replacing "big".

a notable deficiency

Replaces "flaw" with "deficiency" and "big" with "notable", indicating a remarkable lack.

a profound imperfection

Replaces "big" with "profound", suggesting a deep and significant imperfection.

a fundamental defect

Substitutes "flaw" with "defect" and "big" with "fundamental", emphasizing the basic or essential nature of the defect.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a big flaw"?

You can use alternatives like "a major weakness", "a critical defect", or "a significant shortcoming" depending on the context.

How to use "a big flaw" in a sentence?

Use "a big flaw" to point out a significant imperfection or weakness in something. For example: "The project had "a big flaw" in its initial design."

What's the difference between "a big flaw" and "a minor inconvenience"?

"A big flaw" indicates a substantial defect that significantly impacts something, while "a minor inconvenience" refers to a small, often temporary, issue that doesn't cause serious problems.

Is it always appropriate to point out "a big flaw"?

While it's important to address significant issues, consider the context and audience. Frame your criticism constructively and offer potential solutions to mitigate the impact of ""a big flaw"".