a big mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it to describe an error that has been made, either by yourself or by someone else. For example, "Joe realized he had made a big mistake when he ate the last piece of birthday cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a big mistake".

The New York Times

This was a big mistake.

The New York Times

"A big mistake," she said.

The New York Times

It's been a big mistake".

The New York Times

"He's making a big mistake".

The New Yorker

I'm making a big mistake.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was a big mistake".

The New York Times

That was a big mistake.

The New York Times

They made a big mistake".

The New York Times

It is a big mistake.

Independent

This is a big mistake.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big mistake" to acknowledge errors, but consider quantifying the impact or explaining the reasons behind the error for added clarity and a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a big mistake" without providing context. Instead, specify the type of mistake and its impact to enhance understanding and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big mistake" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is a common way to describe an error. Examples in Ludwig show diverse applications across various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing regret or acknowledgment of errors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big mistake" is a common and widely applicable expression used to acknowledge or describe a significant error. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its meaning is clear, substituting it with more specific or formal alternatives may be beneficial in certain professional or academic settings. When using "a big mistake", be sure to contextualize the error and its consequences to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious error

Emphasizes the gravity of the mistake.

a grave error

Highlights a potentially dangerous or harmful mistake.

a costly blunder

Focuses on the negative consequences of the mistake.

a critical failing

Suggests the mistake caused a significant breakdown or failure.

an unfortunate misstep

Downplays the severity, suggesting it was bad luck.

a regrettable lapse

Implies a temporary failure of judgment.

a massive oversight

Highlights neglect or failure to notice something important.

a tactical error

Specifically relates to a mistake in strategy or planning.

a major screw-up

Uses informal language to describe a significant error.

an epic fail

Emphasizes the scale and public nature of the failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big mistake" to describe an error you or someone else committed. For example, "Forgetting to submit the report on time was "a big mistake"."

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

Alternatives include "a serious error", "a costly blunder", or "a grave error", depending on the context and severity of the error.

Is it appropriate to use "a big mistake" in formal writing?

While understandable, "a big mistake" may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more precise and professional term like "significant error" or "critical oversight".

What's the difference between "a big mistake" and "an honest mistake"?

"A big mistake" simply indicates a significant error, whereas "an honest mistake" implies the error was unintentional and made in good faith. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the error's impact or the lack of malicious intent.