a fundamental error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental error" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a mistake or flaw that is at the core or foundation of something. Example: The scientist's research was discredited when it was discovered that he had made a fundamental error in his calculations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He called this a "fundamental error".

The Guardian

We made a fundamental error in presenting that world".

The New York Times - Arts

There is a fundamental error in this thinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

In so doing, it made a fundamental error….

Harvard University

How could the CPS have made such a fundamental error of analysis?

The Guardian - Opinion

Elsewhere, however, an essay by the other curator, Michael Snodin, contains a fundamental error.

The Economist

Even "La Mer", the liveliest essay in the opening section ("Life"), is compromised by a fundamental error of judgment.

The Guardian - Books

"To make such a fundamental error is alone an indication of the unreliability of his entire report".

The Guardian

A few hours before the protest started Jérome Cahuzac, a junior budget minister, described the demonstration as a "fundamental" error.

The Guardian - Business

The implication, he said, is that the difference could introduce a fundamental error into the models' predictions.

The New York Times - Science

A spokesman for the peer had said the BBC journalists had made a fundamental error and misinterpreted a key company document released by Impellam Group.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fundamental error", ensure the context clearly establishes what the error impacts. Clarity about the consequence enhances the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental error" to describe minor oversights. Reserve it for situations where the mistake genuinely undermines a core aspect or principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English, denoting a mistake at the core of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental error" is a widely used phrase that pinpoints significant flaws at the core of systems or arguments. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and appropriate for written English. Its frequent appearance in news, academic, and scientific contexts underscores its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the error's consequences and avoid using it for minor mistakes. Alternatives such as "a critical error" or "a significant error" can add nuanced emphasis depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal error

Replaces 'fundamental' with 'pivotal', emphasizing the turning point nature of the error.

a critical error

Replaces 'fundamental' with 'critical', underlining the seriousness of the mistake.

a significant error

Substitutes 'fundamental' with 'significant', highlighting the importance of the mistake.

a substantial error

Substitutes 'fundamental' with 'substantial', stressing the magnitude of the error.

a major error

Substitutes 'fundamental' with 'major', highlighting the scale of the mistake.

a crucial error

Replaces 'fundamental' with 'crucial', emphasizing the decisive nature of the error.

a basic error

Replaces 'fundamental' with 'basic', emphasizing the elementary nature of the mistake.

a substantive error

Replaces 'fundamental' with 'substantive', emphasizing the error's impact on the content or matter at hand.

a primary error

Substitutes 'fundamental' with 'primary', emphasizing the initial or root cause of the error.

a radical error

Substitutes 'fundamental' with 'radical', emphasizing the extreme nature of the error.

FAQs

What does "a fundamental error" mean?

The phrase "a fundamental error" refers to a mistake or flaw that is central to a system, argument, or process. It's an error that affects the very foundation of something, causing widespread problems.

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

You can use "a fundamental error" to describe mistakes in various contexts. For instance, "The company made "a fundamental error" in their marketing strategy, leading to poor sales" or "The researcher discovered "a fundamental error" in the initial calculations, invalidating the results".

Which phrases are similar to "a fundamental error"?

Similar phrases include "a critical error", "a significant error", or "a basic error". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a fundamental error" and "a mistake"?

"A mistake" is a general term for an error. "A fundamental error", in contrast, is a mistake that undermines the very basis or foundation of something. It's more serious and far-reaching than a simple mistake.