a big miscalculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big miscalculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant error in judgment or calculation in various contexts, such as business, personal decisions, or strategic planning. Example: "The company's decision to expand without proper market research turned out to be a big miscalculation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The union, he said, made a big miscalculation.

The New York Times

"He must not make a big miscalculation and mistake restraint for weakness".

The New York Times

Even so, Ms Rousseff's team will be awaiting the next opinion polls with a new anxiety.UPDATE: Ms Guerra's response now looks like a big miscalculation.

The Economist

He will spend long years in jail, and as he begins that new life he may reflect on a big miscalculation.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a big miscalculation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But Mr. Lott said that if Congressional leaders miscalculated by coming back into session, the automakers made a bigger miscalculation by seeking aid before President-elect Barack Obama took office.

The New York Times

EU enlargement and the big miscalculation In 1999, an unlikely group of revolutionaries came together in the warren of nondescript offices and meeting rooms that make up the Cabinet Office.

The Guardian

It is a tale of bold innovation, hungry microbes and one big miscalculation.

The New York Times

The other big miscalculation I think was for Nick Clegg not to demand a key departmental responsibility – perhaps education.

The Guardian

The other big miscalculation is the factory itself, which we finally glimpse after intermission.

The New Yorker

The big miscalculation underlying the American-led intervention in Iraq was that the enemy would recognize defeat, and submit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big miscalculation" when you want to emphasize the significant negative consequences of an error in judgment. Ensure the context clearly indicates what was miscalculated and what the resulting impact was.

Common error

Avoid using "a big miscalculation" for minor errors or simple mistakes. The phrase carries a weight of importance, so reserve it for situations where the miscalculation truly had significant repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big miscalculation" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific error in judgment or calculation, emphasizing its significance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big miscalculation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to denote a significant error in judgment or calculation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. Related phrases, such as "a major blunder" or "a serious error in judgment", can provide alternative ways to express the same idea with slightly different nuances. When using "a big miscalculation", ensure the context warrants the emphasis on the error's importance and consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major blunder

Emphasizes the seriousness and negative consequences of the miscalculation.

a serious error in judgment

Highlights that the miscalculation stems from poor decision-making.

a grave mistake

Indicates that the miscalculation is severe and has potentially lasting repercussions.

an enormous oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglecting or failing to consider something important.

a monumental misjudgment

Stresses the scale and impact of the incorrect assessment.

a costly error

Highlights the financial or other tangible losses resulting from the miscalculation.

a strategic misstep

Specifically refers to an error in planning or executing a strategy.

a flawed calculation

Points out the incorrectness of the calculation or estimation.

a regrettable lapse

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the miscalculation.

a tactical error

Focuses on an error in a specific plan or tactic.

FAQs

How can I use "a big miscalculation" in a sentence?

You can use "a big miscalculation" to describe a significant error in judgment that has important consequences. For example, "The company's failure to anticipate the market shift was "a big miscalculation" that led to substantial losses."

What are some alternatives to saying "a big miscalculation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a major blunder", "a serious error in judgment", or "a grave mistake".

Is it always appropriate to use "a big miscalculation"?

No, "a big miscalculation" is most appropriate when referring to errors that have significant negative consequences. For minor errors, less impactful phrases may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a big miscalculation" and "a small miscalculation"?

"A big miscalculation" implies that the error had significant repercussions, while "a small miscalculation" suggests that the error was minor and had minimal impact. The choice depends on the scale and consequences of the misjudgment.