a colossal error in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a colossal error in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant mistake or oversight in a specific context, such as a project, decision, or analysis. Example: "The team realized they had made a colossal error in their calculations, which affected the entire outcome of the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He made a colossal error in judgment that he recognizes.

The New York Times

Mr. Putin, the former president and current prime minister, has long maintained that Russia made a colossal error in the 1990s by allowing its enormous reserves of oil, gas and other natural resources to fall into private hands.

The New York Times

Who among us hasn't made a colossal error in judgment like Kelly's?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Jim Lanzone, the boss of Ask.com, the fourth-largest search engine after Google, Yahoo! and Microsoft's MSN, says that his firm is not seeing any similar easing of demand.The deeper problem, says Henry Blodget, founder of Cherry Hill Research, a consultancy, is that Yahoo! is still suffering from a "colossal error" it made in the late 1990s.

The Economist

Senator John Kerry argued last night that President Bush had made a "colossal error of judgment" in invading Iraq, while Mr. Bush belittled Mr. Kerry as a weak leader who would embolden the United States' foes, as the two men offered starkly different views of the war that has dominated this campaign.

The New York Times

In a colossal error of judgment, I went to my friend Mr. Iacocca's secretary.

Huffington Post

He said, "This president has made, I regret to say, a colossal error of judgment, and judgment is what we look for in the president of the United States of America.

The New York Times

When I started the collection, I made a colossal error.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a colossal error, and many people said so at the time.

The New York Times

This was a colossal error of judgment on Skidelsky's part.

The Guardian - Books

"It was a colossal error," Samuel Walker, who wrote a history of the A.C.L.U., said of the 1940 decisions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a colossal error in", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific area or aspect the error pertains to. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, "a colossal error in financial forecasting" is more specific than simply "a colossal error".

Common error

Avoid using "a colossal error in" for minor mistakes or oversights. The term implies a significant and far-reaching impact; using it inappropriately can diminish the credibility of your statement. Consider using less emphatic language for smaller errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colossal error in" functions as a descriptor, specifically highlighting the magnitude of a mistake within a given domain. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is suitable for describing a significant oversight. Examples show it characterizing errors in judgment and business decisions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a colossal error in" is a phrase used to describe a very large and significant mistake within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While examples are relatively rare, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the significance of the error is genuinely substantial and that the context is clear. Alternatives include phrases like "a huge mistake in" or "a major blunder in", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a huge mistake in

Replaces "colossal" with "huge", indicating a large but perhaps not overwhelmingly significant error.

a major blunder in

Uses "blunder" instead of "error", suggesting a careless or foolish mistake.

a grave miscalculation in

Replaces "error" with "miscalculation", emphasizing an incorrect assessment or estimation.

a significant oversight in

Focuses on the aspect of something being missed or neglected rather than a general error.

a critical flaw in

Highlights a defect or weakness that undermines the integrity or success of something.

a disastrous lapse in

Emphasizes the negative consequences of the error, suggesting a failure with severe repercussions.

a monumental failure in

Substitutes "error" with "failure" indicating a lack of success and "colossal" with "monumental" emphasizing scale.

a substantial defect in

Focuses on a significant imperfection or shortcoming.

a gross negligence in

Highlights a severe lack of care or attention to duty.

a profound misjudgment in

Replaces "error" with "misjudgment", focusing on faulty decision-making and emphasizes the depth of the error.

FAQs

What does "a colossal error in" mean?

The phrase "a colossal error in" describes a mistake of enormous magnitude or significance within a particular context. It implies that the error has substantial consequences.

How can I use "a colossal error in" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a significant mistake within a specific area. For example: "The company made "a colossal error in" its budget projections."

What can I say instead of "a colossal error in"?

Alternatives include "a huge mistake in", "a major blunder in", or "a grave miscalculation in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a colossal mistake in" or "a colossal error in"?

Both "mistake" and "error" are suitable. "Error" might sound slightly more formal, while "mistake" is generally more common in everyday language. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.