a blunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mistake or error, often one that is careless or foolish. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was a blunder that cost him a fortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A blunder.

The New York Times

But there was a blunder.

The Economist

It is a blunder".

The New York Times - Magazine

In hindsight, that looks like a blunder.

The New York Times

Portisch's 21... Bh4 was a blunder.

The New York Times

Instead, 32 Qf7 was a blunder.

The New York Times

Oh dear, what a blunder.

The Guardian

And why is that, ultimately, a blunder?

The New York Times

Trump's Taiwan call wasn't a blunder.

The Washington Post

A blunder admitted is empathy earned.

Harvard Business Review

Instead, 62... g5 was a blunder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a blunder" when you want to emphasize the foolish or careless nature of a mistake, especially one with significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a blunder" for trivial mistakes. Reserve it for situations where the error has notable repercussions or reveals poor judgment. Using simpler terms like "mistake" or "error" may be more appropriate for minor incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blunder" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a significant or foolish mistake. As Ludwig states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blunder" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a significant, often foolish, mistake. As Ludwig AI points out, it's considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While alternatives like ""a mistake"" or ""an error"" exist, "a blunder" carries a stronger connotation of poor judgment and notable consequences. It's important to reserve its use for situations where the error truly warrants such emphasis to avoid diminishing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mistake

Replaces "blunder" with a more general term for an error.

an error

Similar to "a mistake", but can imply a more formal or technical context.

a faux pas

Emphasizes a social mistake or breach of etiquette.

an oversight

Suggests a mistake caused by failing to notice something.

a gaffe

Highlights a clumsy or embarrassing mistake, often in a public setting.

a screw-up

An informal term for a significant mistake, often with negative consequences.

a lapse in judgment

Focuses on the poor decision-making that led to the mistake.

a miscalculation

Highlights an error in planning or estimation.

a strategic error

Implies a mistake that undermines a larger plan or goal.

a monumental error

Emphasizes the significant impact or consequences of the mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "a blunder" in a sentence?

You can use "a blunder" to describe a significant mistake or error, especially one that is foolish or careless. For example, "The company's decision to ignore market research was "a blunder" that led to significant losses."

What are some alternatives to using "a blunder"?

Alternatives include "a mistake", "an error", "a faux pas", or "an oversight", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a blunder" formal or informal?

"A blunder" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more impactful than a simple "mistake".

What distinguishes "a blunder" from "a mistake"?

"A blunder" implies a more significant error with potentially serious consequences, often suggesting poor judgment or carelessness. A "mistake" is a more general term for any kind of error.