a gross fallacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gross fallacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant error in reasoning or a false belief that is widely accepted. Example: "The idea that all successful people are self-made is a gross fallacy that ignores the impact of privilege and opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a gross fallacy to imagine that there were ever hermetically sealed traditions that correspond to a writer's racial or ethnic or sexual or national identity.

The New Yorker

It's a gross fallacy, which unfortunately has taken root, that the human indexer has been made redundant by the search engine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Introducing his own interpretation, he says, "No one has yet proposed a reading of the dialogue as a consecutive demonstration which does not turn it into an improbable medley of gross fallacies and logical subtleties" (1990: 193).

SEP

This is a complete fallacy.

The New Yorker

A gross caricature?

The Economist

We'll take a gross.

The New Yorker

It was a gross injustice.

Independent

That is a gross overstatement.

The New York Times

This is a gross simplification.

The New York Times - Arts

A gross feeder.

The New York Times - Books

The discrepancies, inconsistencies, and logical fallacies in the account of Livy, one of Rome's greatest historians, make it evident that this thesis of a struggle of the orders is a gross oversimplification of a highly complex series of events that had no single cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gross fallacy" when you want to emphasize that a particular belief is not only wrong but also based on poor reasoning or a misunderstanding of the facts. It's effective in formal writing where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "gross" simply to add emphasis to "fallacy" if the fallacy isn't particularly egregious or obvious. Ensure that the scale of the error justifies the adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gross fallacy" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes something as being a significant error in reasoning. As Ludwig shows, it's used to strongly refute inaccurate claims.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gross fallacy" is a phrase used to describe a significant error in reasoning, suitable for formal contexts and writing where precision is valued. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it effectively conveys the severity of the logical error being described. Remember to use it appropriately, ensuring that the scale of the error justifies the adjective "gross". Consider alternatives like "a serious misconception" or "a fundamental error in reasoning" if a less emphatic tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious misconception

Emphasizes the incorrect understanding or belief.

a fundamental error in reasoning

Highlights the flawed logical process.

a major delusion

Implies a strong, persistent false belief.

a complete untruth

Focuses on the lack of truth or factual basis.

a blatant falsehood

Stresses the obvious and easily detectable nature of the lie.

a glaring inaccuracy

Points out the easily noticeable error.

an outright distortion of the truth

Emphasizes the manipulation and alteration of facts.

a vast oversimplification

Highlights the reduction of complexity to an inaccurate degree.

a wholly inaccurate assumption

Focuses on the flawed premise on which something is based.

a patently absurd idea

Highlights the illogical nature of the thought.

FAQs

How can I use "a gross fallacy" in a sentence?

You can use "a gross fallacy" to describe a large or obvious error in thinking. For example: "The claim that vaccines cause autism is "a gross fallacy" that has been widely debunked".

What's the difference between "a gross fallacy" and "a simple mistake"?

"A gross fallacy" implies a significant error in reasoning or understanding, while "a simple mistake" suggests a minor, unintentional error. A fallacy involves flawed logic, while a mistake may just be a slip-up.

What can I say instead of "a gross fallacy"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious misconception", "a fundamental error in reasoning", or "a major delusion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a gross fallacy" in formal writing?

Yes, "a gross fallacy" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to clearly and strongly identify a significant error in logic or reasoning. It's suitable for academic papers, reports, and other professional contexts.