a dangerous error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dangerous error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that poses a significant risk or threat in a particular context. Example: "The software update contained a dangerous error that could compromise user data security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A dangerous error.

The New York Times - Books

This is both a prejudicial and a dangerous error.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's a dangerous error, for President Trump to continue to trash John McCain," said Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla)., adding that McCain "is a guy who knows what he's talking about" when it comes to the military.

The Washington Post

Justice Alito warns that the majority makes a "dangerous error" in relying on the three-judge court's finding that a large release of prisoners will not jeopardize public safety.

The New York Times

[r]eligion captures the very best and very worst of who we are, and to see only the best or the worst of religion is a dangerous error.

Huffington Post

The examiner will be wanting to see that your 'observing' if you don't observe then it will be marked down as a serious or a dangerous error.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The numerical analysis you provided risked reinforcing the myth of the "statistical dead heat," a particularly dangerous error with the political polling season heating up again.

The New York Times

The authors of that article, led by Dr. Atul A. Gawande, a surgeon, say that leaving objects behind is "an uncommon but dangerous error" that can lead to severe infections, organ damage and sometimes even death.

The New York Times - Health

On top of the already monumental mistakes and strategic miscalculations President Obama has been the architect of in addressing the Islamic State, it seems that an even more dangerous error is in the process of being engineered -- supporting the anti-American ayatollahs in Tehran as the protector of the Middle East from the Islamic State.

Huffington Post

Tucked away in the final book, on method, is a critique of "the most dangerous error of the ancients," namely, the Aristotelian position that there are secondary causes in nature distinct from God.

SEP

California voters can rectify this dangerous error in judgment and common sense by voting to approve Proposition 97 at the Nov. 8 general election.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dangerous error", clearly specify the potential consequences or risks associated with the error to provide context and emphasize its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a dangerous error" when the mistake is minor or inconsequential. Choose more appropriate terms like "mistake" or "oversight" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dangerous error" functions as a noun phrase, where "dangerous" modifies the noun "error". It identifies a specific type of mistake that carries significant risk. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dangerous error" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a mistake with potentially harmful consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to warn or alert about significant risks. The phrase is most commonly found in news media and science contexts. While its use is less frequent in formal business or academic settings, it remains appropriate across various registers. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the potential consequences to emphasize the severity. Be mindful not to overstate the danger in minor situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical mistake

Emphasizes the severity and potential impact of the error.

a perilous oversight

Highlights the potential hazards resulting from neglecting something important.

a grave misjudgment

Focuses on the faulty decision-making that led to the error.

a high-risk fault

Underscores the level of danger and probability of negative consequences.

a severe blunder

Implies a significant and careless mistake.

a risky lapse

Highlights a temporary failure that carries potential danger.

an egregious mistake

Points out the shockingly bad and obvious nature of the error.

a fatal flaw

Suggests a defect that could lead to complete failure or ruin.

a disastrous slip-up

Focuses on the catastrophic consequences of a small mistake.

a damaging oversight

Emphasizes the harm or negative impact caused by neglecting something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dangerous error" to describe a mistake that could lead to serious harm or negative consequences. For example, "The software contained "a dangerous error" that could compromise user data".

What can I say instead of "a dangerous error"?

You can use alternatives like "a critical mistake", "a perilous oversight", or "a grave misjudgment" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a very dangerous error"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "very" might be unnecessary. The word "dangerous" already implies a significant level of risk. Consider if the added emphasis is truly needed, or if "a critical mistake" would be more concise.

What's the difference between "a dangerous error" and "a potentially dangerous error"?

"A potentially dangerous error" suggests the error could become dangerous, while ""a dangerous error"" implies it already poses an immediate risk. The first suggests future possibility, the second, present danger.