a gross mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gross mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious error in judgment or action. Example: "Failing to double-check the calculations before submission was a gross mistake that cost the company dearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Its data should correct "a gross mistake that is an embarrassment to astronomy", he told the Observer.

The Guardian

Several high-ranking officials in President Hamid Karzai's government say Mr. Hekmati's detention at Guantánamo was a gross mistake.

The New York Times

Nature had to exist to provide material for spirit to overcome, although it was a gross mistake to think of it as essentially a lifeless mechanism.

Britannica

If the jury acted upon a gross mistake of facts, or were governed by some improper influence or bias, the remedy therefore rested with the court below, under its general power to set aside the verdict.

Cornell University

Mr Klaus said the authorities had made a "gross mistake" and demanded a formal explanation.In this section The French lesson Wagging the west Mission to Ankara Potemkin fleet Undesirable Persson Bonking ravers ReprintsThe police have plenty of supporters, however.

The Economist

Mr. Koefoed-Nielsen, the analyst, said, "You'd have to say that going to America is risky, but they have a good track record, and it's a gross mistake to underestimate them".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"This state visit is a gross error, a terrible mistake," said Representative Eliot L. Engel, Democrat of New York, chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

The New York Times

"It was a mistake and a gross error of judgement.

BBC

"They made a gross, gross mistake in handing sole credit to Fox," he declares.

Los Angeles Times

It was a gross misunderstanding.

The Guardian

"It was a gross political mistake and it put Slovakia in a very bad political light," he told The Independent.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gross mistake" to clearly convey a serious error, but consider the audience and context. In formal settings, weigh alternatives like "a significant error" for nuanced communication.

Common error

While "a gross mistake" is valid, avoid piling on further intensifiers. Phrases like "a very gross mistake" can sound redundant and weaken the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gross mistake" functions as a noun phrase, where 'gross' acts as an adjective intensifying the noun 'mistake'. It's used to describe an error of considerable magnitude or severity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gross mistake" is a commonly used phrase that describes a significant or serious error. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. When using the phrase, consider the level of formality required and whether alternative expressions like "a serious error" or "a major blunder" might be more suitable. Be mindful of avoiding redundancy by not overusing intensifiers and aim for precision in your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious error

Emphasizes the severity of the mistake.

a major blunder

Highlights the clumsiness or carelessness of the mistake.

a grave error

Stresses the potential consequences of the mistake.

a significant oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglecting something important.

a terrible error

Emphasizes the negative impact of the error.

a huge miscalculation

Highlights the incorrect assessment or estimation involved.

a glaring mistake

Draws attention to how obvious the mistake is.

an egregious error

Emphasizes the shocking or outstanding nature of the error.

a costly error

Focuses on the expensive or damaging consequences of the mistake.

an unfortunate error

Highlights the regrettable nature of the error.

FAQs

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

You can use "a gross mistake" to describe a significant error in judgment or action. For example: "Failing to double-check the calculations before submission was "a gross mistake" that cost the company dearly."

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

You can use alternatives like "a serious error", "a major blunder", or "a grave error" depending on the context.

Is "gross mistake" too harsh?

While "gross mistake" indicates a significant error, the appropriateness depends on the context. In some cases, softer terms like "significant oversight" or "unfortunate error" may be more suitable.

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

"A gross mistake" implies a significant error with potentially serious consequences, whereas "a simple mistake" suggests a minor, easily correctable error.