a grave oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

"a grave oversight" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, it can be used to describe a serious mistake or lapse in judgement that has had negative consequences. For example, "The mayor's failure to check the bridge's structural integrity was a grave oversight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Further, ignoring what appeared to be credible allegations of child abductions, Satanism and ceremonial cannibalism would have been a grave oversight by anyone in a position of authority.

The Washington Post

During a time when Black Lives Matter is galvanizing against the militarization of police and an end to police brutality against black and brown bodies, this is a grave oversight.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a grave oversight and should be remedied.

TechCrunch

That's why his omission is a grave oversight.

Huffington Post

Your failure to mention the Desert Nursery in your article about epiphyllums was a grave oversight.

Los Angeles Times

However, it is a grave oversight that little attention is paid to enabling the education of West African doctors and nurses.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We accept the point eloquently and forcefully made by our colleagues that this is an especially grave oversight in light of the specific focus of Black Lives Matter on the extent to which African-Americans have been erased and marginalised from public life".

Huffington Post

Who is to blame for this grave oversight, this refusal of heritage in a way, and will Belhassine ever find those roots to her cultural foundation form the central questions of this personal documentary.

HuffPost

Aside from that grave oversight, one other thing leaps out at me from this list.

The Guardian - Music

"When the lord, also known as god, realised that adam and eve, although perfect in every outward aspect, could not utter a word or make even the most primitive of sounds, he must have felt annoyed with himself, for there was no one else in the garden of eden whom he could blame for this grave oversight......

The Guardian - Books

I enjoy how the editor (never named! never blamed!) is not only singled out, but the source that would have prevented this grave oversight is also named.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a grave oversight", ensure the context clearly indicates the serious consequences of the error. Avoid using it for trivial mistakes.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave oversight" to describe minor errors or inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations with significant and lasting repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave oversight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies and characterizes a specific error or omission, emphasizing its severity. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase denotes a blunder with notable consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave oversight" is a noun phrase used to describe a serious error or omission with significant consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal and professional contexts, particularly in news and media. While not extremely common, the phrase is readily understood and effectively communicates the severity of a mistake. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its serious tone, and consider alternatives like "a serious mistake" or "a critical error" if a less emphatic expression is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious mistake

Focuses on the error itself rather than the negligence.

a critical error

Emphasizes the importance of the error's impact.

a significant lapse

Highlights a temporary failure in judgment or behavior.

a major blunder

Suggests a clumsy or foolish mistake.

a regrettable omission

Focuses on the act of leaving something out, with a hint of remorse.

a costly error

Highlights the financial or other tangible costs associated with the mistake.

a terrible mistake

Conveys a strong negative feeling about the mistake.

a critical failure

Emphasizes the failure aspect and criticality of the situation.

an inexcusable neglect

Highlights the absence of a reasonable explanation for the mistake.

a fundamental flaw

Points to a deep, inherent problem underlying the mistake.

FAQs

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

Use "a grave oversight" to describe a serious error or omission with significant consequences. For example, "The failure to inspect the dam before the rainy season was "a grave oversight" that led to the flooding".

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

You can use alternatives such as "a serious mistake", "a critical error", or "a significant lapse" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "a grave oversight" formal or informal?

"A grave oversight" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. It is appropriate for use in professional, academic, and news contexts but may sound overly dramatic in casual conversation.

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

"A grave oversight" implies a serious error with significant negative consequences resulting from negligence or a failure to properly consider something. "A simple mistake", on the other hand, suggests a minor error that is easily corrected and doesn't have major repercussions.