a grave fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious mistake or error, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "His decision to ignore the safety protocols was considered a grave fault by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But if it did not take place, that would have been a grave fault.

The Economist

Mr Perlstein devotes long chapters to Reagan's life before politics, showing just how passionately the future president needed to believe that pessimism was a grave fault, because everything would work out "gloriously" in the end.The America of 1976 was not quite ready to elect someone of such optimism.

The Economist

For if a given individual rejects the Christianity brought to him through the Church's preaching, even then we are still never in any position to decide whether this rejection as it exists in the concrete signifies a grave fault or an act of faithfulness to one's own conscience.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is a grave error.

Forbes

This would be a grave mistake.

The New York Times

"You've made a grave error.

The New Yorker

That would be a grave mistake.

Forbes

[President] Morsi committed a grave mistake.

BBC

This will be a grave mistake.

Forbes

A grave error, indeed.

Huffington Post

A grave error.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave fault" when you want to emphasize the serious moral or ethical implications of a mistake. It carries more weight than simply saying "a mistake".

Common error

Avoid using "a grave fault" in contexts where the mistake is minor or insignificant. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave fault" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a descriptor of a significant error or failing. It intensifies the meaning of "fault", indicating a severe degree of culpability or consequence. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts requiring careful judgment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a grave fault" is used to describe a serious error or failing, often with moral or ethical implications. Ludwig identifies its grammatical correctness and provides examples primarily from News & Media sources. While "a grave fault" is not a very common phrase, using it accurately can add emphasis and weight to your writing. Consider alternatives like "a serious mistake" or "a critical error" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grievous error

This alternative emphasizes the painful or distressing nature of the mistake.

an inexcusable error

This alternative is not tolerable and cannot be justified.

a serious mistake

This alternative is a more general term for a significant error, lacking the moral or ethical weight implied by "grave".

a terrible mistake

This alternative simply indicates that the mistake was exceptionally bad.

a critical error

This alternative emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the error.

a monumental mistake

This alternative highlights the exceptionally large scale and significance of the error.

a costly error

This alternative focuses on the detrimental impacts of the mistake.

a significant blunder

This alternative suggests a clumsy or careless mistake with potentially embarrassing consequences.

a major failing

This alternative focuses on a deficiency or shortcoming in character or performance.

a fatal flaw

This alternative suggests an inherent weakness that leads to failure or destruction.

FAQs

How to use "a grave fault" in a sentence?

You can use "a grave fault" to describe a serious mistake, especially one with moral or ethical implications. For example, "Ignoring the warning signs was a grave fault that led to the disaster."

What can I say instead of "a grave fault"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious mistake", "a critical error", or "a grievous error" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a grave fault" or "a grave error"?

Both "a grave fault" and "a grave error" are correct, but "a grave fault" often implies a moral or ethical failing, while "a grave error" can refer to any serious mistake.

What's the difference between "a grave fault" and "a grave mistake"?

While both phrases indicate a serious problem, "a grave fault" often carries a stronger connotation of moral or ethical wrongdoing compared to "a grave mistake", which can encompass broader types of serious errors.