a costly mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a costly mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an error or decision that has resulted in significant financial loss or negative consequences. Example: "Investing in that failing startup turned out to be a costly mistake for the investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a costly mistake.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was a costly mistake.

The New York Times

That could be a costly mistake.

The New York Times

That would be a costly mistake.

The New York Times

That could prove a costly mistake.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It will be a costly mistake".

The New Yorker

It may also be a costly mistake.

Harvard Business Review

I'm fearful of making a costly mistake.

The Washington Post

The road to Rouen proved a costly mistake.

Independent

For some landowners, it can be a costly mistake.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Too often, parents put their children's college expenses above saving for retirement a costly mistake.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a costly mistake", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of cost involved, whether financial, reputational, or otherwise. Provide specific details to enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of the mistake. If the consequences are minor, using a less dramatic phrase might be more appropriate. Inflated language can diminish your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a costly mistake" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies or describes a specific type of error characterized by its significant negative consequences, often financial. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a costly mistake" is a frequently used phrase to describe an error resulting in significant negative consequences. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While semantically similar phrases exist, such as "an expensive error" or "a damaging blunder", "a costly mistake" maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, be specific about the nature of the cost involved to enhance clarity. Remember to avoid exaggerating the cost, as this can undermine your credibility. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expensive error

Focuses on the monetary aspect of the mistake, emphasizing financial loss.

a damaging blunder

Emphasizes the harmful consequences beyond just monetary value.

a financially draining error

Directly emphasizes the financial burden resulting from the mistake.

a regrettable error

Highlights the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the mistake.

a ruinous error

Implies a severe and destructive outcome from the mistake.

an unfortunate misjudgment

Focuses on the decision-making aspect, suggesting poor judgment led to negative outcomes.

a serious miscalculation

Highlights the incorrect assessment or planning that resulted in the mistake.

a grave oversight

Emphasizes the negligence or lack of attention that led to the significant mistake.

an imprudent decision

Stresses the lack of wisdom or forethought in the choice made.

a strategic error

Focuses on the mistake made in planning or executing a strategy.

FAQs

How to use "a costly mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "a costly mistake" to describe an error or decision that resulted in significant financial loss or negative consequences. For example, "Ignoring the market trends proved to be "a costly mistake" for the company".

What can I say instead of "a costly mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "an expensive error", "a damaging blunder", or "a regrettable error" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a costly mistake" or "an expensive mistake"?

Both ""a costly mistake"" and "an expensive mistake" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although ""a costly mistake"" is slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "a costly mistake" and "a simple mistake"?

"A costly mistake" implies significant negative consequences, often financial, while "a simple mistake" refers to a minor error with little to no serious repercussions.