a grave error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a grave error' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a serious or significant mistake. For example, "His decision to not consult the experts before making the agreement was a grave error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a grave error.

Forbes

"You've made a grave error.

The New Yorker

This could prove a grave error.

The New York Times

"This was a grave error of judgment," he said.

The Guardian

But the opposition has also made a grave error.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Q&A made a grave error, but only the impotent are pure," Jones said last Monday.

The Guardian

One friend said that Ashton's critics were making a grave error.

The Guardian

"The steps that you advise seem to me a grave error," she replied to the Swedes.

The New York Times - Books

"Future generations will view passage of this bill as a grave error".

The New York Times

The president and Congress commit a grave error in opposing the next round of financing.

The New York Times

"The Supreme Court has another chance to correct a grave error," Amnesty said in a statement.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, use "a grave error" to convey a sense of importance and severity without being overly dramatic. Reserve it for situations where the mistake genuinely warrants such emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave error" in situations where the mistake is minor or easily rectified. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

"A grave error" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant mistake or misjudgment. It commonly serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence, emphasizing the severity of the error. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase correctly and effectively communicates the weight of the error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave error" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to emphasize the significance of a mistake. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase conveys a substantial misjudgment that can often lead to serious consequences. Its primary use is in formal contexts, and its frequency in news and media highlights its applicability in reporting on events with significant impact. To convey a similar meaning, you might choose to use "a serious mistake" or "a critical blunder" as alternatives, but using "a grave error" reinforces the weight and potential impact of the mistake under discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious mistake

Replaces 'grave' with 'serious', indicating a less formal but equally significant error.

an egregious mistake

Replaces 'grave' with 'egregious', denoting an outstandingly bad error.

a critical blunder

Uses 'critical blunder' to emphasize the severity and impact of the error.

a terrible blunder

Uses 'terrible blunder' to emphasize the negative impact of the error.

a significant miscalculation

Focuses on the misjudgment aspect, implying an error in planning or estimation.

a monumental error

Uses 'monumental' to emphasize the large scale of the error.

a major oversight

Highlights the neglect or failure to notice something important that led to the error.

a disastrous lapse

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

a costly error

Highlights the negative consequences of the error.

a regrettable error

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the error.

FAQs

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

You can use "a grave error" to describe a serious mistake with significant consequences. For example, "The misjudgment of the market demand proved to be a grave error that cost the company millions".

What are some alternatives to "a grave error"?

Alternatives include "a serious mistake", "a critical blunder", or "a significant miscalculation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a grave error" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing a mistake that has serious repercussions or significant negative consequences. It's suitable for formal and professional contexts where you want to emphasize the weight of the error.

Is "a grave error" the same as "a serious mistake"?

While similar, "a grave error" implies a higher degree of severity and potential impact compared to "a serious mistake". "Grave" adds more weight to the significance of the error.