a critical error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant mistake or failure that has serious consequences, often in technical or operational contexts. Example: "The system crashed due to a critical error in the software code, causing a loss of data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a critical error," Ryan said.

The New York Times - Sports

But 30... Ref7 was a critical error.

The New York Times

The operators made a critical error right at the start.

The New Yorker

"I made a critical error from the outset," he wrote.

The New York Times

But Sony at that moment made a critical error.

The New York Times

However, the US statement contained a critical error.

The Guardian

It was not played especially well; the first basemen for each team made a critical error.

The New York Times - Sports

Ordóñez, who made a critical error on Saturday, made several sensational plays.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a critical error, he argued-and one he intends to correct.

MIT Technology Review

But just as Boyd feared, Pollack and his crew made a critical error.

The New York Times

But May made a critical error, according to an Air Force officer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a critical error", ensure the context clearly indicates the severity and potential consequences of the mistake. Consider using stronger verbs or adjectives to further emphasize the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical error" for minor mistakes. Reserve this phrase for situations where the error has substantial and far-reaching implications; otherwise, opt for terms like "mistake" or "oversight".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical error" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It identifies a specific mistake or fault that has significant consequences. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a critical error" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant mistake with serious consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently used in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts, conveying the impact of a mistake in a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context reflects the error's true severity, and consider alternatives like "major blunder" or "grave mistake" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using it for minor errors to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave mistake

Highlights the seriousness and potential consequences of the error.

a major blunder

Emphasizes the clumsiness or carelessness of the error.

a game-changing mistake

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the mistake, particularly in competitive situations.

a decisive misstep

Indicates a single wrong action that significantly alters the outcome.

a costly lapse

Highlights the expense or damage resulting from a temporary failure in judgment or memory.

an egregious error

Points out an error that is conspicuously bad or offensive.

a fatal flaw

Suggests an inherent defect that leads to failure.

a calamitous fault

Underscores the disastrous nature of the mistake.

a significant oversight

Focuses on the act of neglecting something important.

a monumental screw-up

Indicates a very large and often publicly visible mistake (informal).

FAQs

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

You can use "a critical error" to describe a significant mistake with serious consequences. For example, "The project failed due to "a critical error" in the initial planning phase."

What are some alternatives to "a critical error"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "major blunder", "grave mistake", or "fatal flaw" as alternatives to "a critical error".

What distinguishes "a critical error" from a regular error?

"A critical error" implies that the mistake has significant negative consequences, potentially leading to failure or major problems. A regular error might be a simple mistake with minimal impact.

Is it appropriate to use "a critical error" in formal writing?

Yes, "a critical error" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing technical issues, reports, or serious incidents. However, consider the audience and context to determine if a more specific term might be preferable.