a grave mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"a grave mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when someone made a serious error or bad decision with dire consequences. For example, "The mayor made a grave mistake when he chose to ignore the residents' concerns about the proposed development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is a grave mistake.

The Washington Post

Procrastination has repeatedly proved a grave mistake.

Yale University

This would have been a grave mistake.

The New York Times - Arts

I think this is a grave mistake.

The Guardian

I think this would be a grave mistake.

Columbia University

The open door to Europe has been a grave mistake.

Independent

Sending such mixed signals is a grave mistake.

The New York Times

And why is that such a grave mistake?

The Guardian

Lee: An AI arms race would be a grave mistake.

The Washington Post

Cave told the Leveson inquiry: "It was a grave mistake.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He made a grave mistake.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave mistake" to emphasize the serious nature and consequences of an error, decision, or action. This phrase is suitable when the error has significant and potentially damaging repercussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave mistake" for trivial errors or minor inconveniences. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It identifies and labels a particular action or decision as a significant error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a grave mistake" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a serious error with significant consequences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of various sources reveals that this phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with academic and scientific sources also employing it regularly. While it's a powerful phrase, overuse in minor situations can dilute its impact. Alternatives like "a serious error" or "a critical blunder" can be considered depending on the specific context. In conclusion, "a grave mistake" serves to underscore the severity of an error and its ramifications, making it a valuable tool in both formal and neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious error

Focuses on the severity of the error.

a critical blunder

Emphasizes the decisiveness and negative impact of the mistake.

a terrible misjudgment

Highlights the poor judgment that led to the mistake.

a disastrous oversight

Points out the neglect or failure to notice something important.

a monumental lapse

Stresses the significant and memorable nature of the error.

an egregious error

Focuses on the shocking and conspicuously bad quality of the mistake.

a fateful decision

Highlights that the decision had a significantly negative impact on future events.

a costly error

Stresses the negative consequences and expense that result from the error.

a regrettable action

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the action.

a significant misstep

Indicates a wrong or clumsy step that has important consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a grave mistake" to describe a serious error or bad decision with significant negative consequences. For example, "Ignoring the warning signs was "a grave mistake" that led to the company's downfall."

What are some synonyms for "a grave mistake"?

Alternatives include "a serious error", "a critical blunder", or "a terrible misjudgment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the mistake you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "a grave error" instead of "a grave mistake"?

Yes, "a grave error" is a valid and very similar alternative. Both phrases convey the idea of a serious and consequential error.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a grave mistake"?

It is best to avoid using "a grave mistake" when describing minor errors or inconsequential missteps. Using it in such contexts can sound overly dramatic and disproportionate.