a grievous error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grievous error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious mistake or wrongdoing, often with significant consequences. Example: "The committee acknowledged that the decision to approve the project was a grievous error that could have lasting repercussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This was a grievous error.

The New York Times

But we can prevent a grievous error from being done".

The New York Times

"In my previous email on this subject, I made a grievous error," McEwen said.

The Guardian

I believe that The Times has made a grievous error in judgment by publishing this satire.

The New York Times

Mr. Wythe wrote, Nate is "committing a grievous error by focusing on the final percentages and ignoring the turnout levels.

The New York Times

About the miscommunication with the affiliates, Jeffrey Schneider, the spokesman for ABC News, said: "It was a grievous error.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I believe it is a grievous mistake".

The New Yorker

That would be a grievous mistake.

The New York Times

But underdoing it would have been a grievous fault.

The New Yorker

Then Raffaello De Ruggieri, a lawyer who considered the depopulation campaign a grievous mistake, moved in.

The New Yorker

One defense lawyer, Tai H. Park, told jurors that Mr. Banki had applied himself "like very few others do," and tried to do everything "the right way" until he was "set off his path by a misguided prosecution fraught with grievous error".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grievous error" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and potentially damaging consequences of a mistake. It adds a formal and somewhat grave tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a grievous error" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or overly dramatic in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a big mistake" or "a bad error" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grievous error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. For example, "It was a grievous error." or "He acknowledged a grievous error in his decision-making."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grievous error" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a serious mistake with significant consequences. As Ludwig AI states, it is commonly found in news and media contexts and possesses a neutral but formal register. While effective in conveying the gravity of a situation, be mindful of overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives such as "a serious mistake" or "a grave mistake" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious mistake

Emphasizes the severity of the mistake but lacks the formal tone of "grievous".

a grave mistake

Similar in tone and meaning, but uses "grave" instead of "grievous".

a critical error

Highlights the fact that the mistake happened at a key moment or decision.

a terrible blunder

Focuses on the clumsiness of the error, implying a lack of skill or care.

an inexcusable mistake

Indicates that there's no apparent reason for that mistake to happen.

a fatal flaw

Highlights the potentially disastrous consequences of the error.

a costly mistake

Emphasizes the negative impact or the expense that occurred because of a mistake.

an egregious blunder

Indicates the mistake was outstandingly bad, or shocking.

a major oversight

The emphasis is on the fact that something has not been taken into consideration.

a significant miscalculation

The mistake consists of an incorrect mathematical calculation, estimate, or assessment.

FAQs

What does "a grievous error" mean?

The phrase "a grievous error" refers to a serious or terrible mistake, often one with significant consequences. It implies that the error is not just a simple mistake, but something that causes considerable harm or distress.

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

You can use "a grievous error" to describe a serious mistake made by someone or something. For example: "The general admitted that the invasion was "a grievous error" in judgment", or "Failing to secure the data was "a grievous error" that cost the company millions."

What are some synonyms for "a grievous error"?

Alternatives to "a grievous error" include "a serious mistake", "a grave mistake", "a terrible blunder", or "a costly mistake". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a grievous error" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a grievous error" is more suited for formal writing or serious discussions. In casual conversation, it might sound overly dramatic or stilted. Simpler phrases like "a big mistake" or "a bad error" are generally more appropriate.