a gross oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

'a gross oversight' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a mistake or an error that was made because of a lack of care or attention. For example, "The committee made a gross oversight when they failed to draft a procedure for handling customer complaints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

To ignore that is a gross oversight.

Independent

Critics say that was a gross oversight on the part of FIFA, football's governing body, which failed to use African banks and mobile phone providers to more imaginatively distribute the ticketsThe tournament has, however, been a massive hit on television.

The Economist

Yet the fact remains that it wasn't in the running for the recent Best Of Booker award (a gross oversight, given that mediocrities like The Ghost Road and Disgrace were).

The Guardian - Books

Not to take into account the implications of large wage differences is a gross oversight that distorts the discussion of the affordability of labour-intensive activities such as healthcare and education in low-wage economies.

The Guardian

It seems like a gross oversight and I testing this GPS because of this reason.

TechCrunch

To be sure I wasn't making a gross oversight, I would later revisit the booking process, re-read every email I'd received from Saudia, and pore over as much fine print on the airline's website as I could.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Montage owes the community of Laguna Beach an apology and assurance that this kind of gross oversight will not happen again.

Los Angeles Times

I need to write an article condemning the game and the studio for this gross oversight.

Forbes

As well as tightening up the enforcement of workers rights, the government said it will be raising fines for employers that show "malice, spite or gross oversight", as well as considering raising penalties for employers who have previously lost similar cases.

TechCrunch

A complete oversight. .  .

TechCrunch

Even if we focus strictly on the direct health effects for consumers eating produce grown with pesticides, Moyer makes gross oversights.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a gross oversight", ensure the context clearly indicates what was overlooked and why it is considered significant. For example, "Failing to include safety protocols in the project proposal was a gross oversight that could have serious consequences."

Common error

Avoid using "a gross oversight" for minor, insignificant errors. The phrase implies a serious error with potentially significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gross oversight" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant error or omission. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a gross oversight" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and unacceptable error or omission. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for written English. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with neutral register. When using the phrase, it is important to ensure the error is indeed significant and the context warrants such a strong term. Alternatives include "a serious error" or "a glaring omission", but these may not convey the same level of severity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glaring omission

This alternative focuses on the act of leaving something important out.

a serious error

This alternative highlights the severity of the mistake.

a critical mistake

This emphasizes the importance of the error and its potential consequences.

a major blunder

This phrase emphasizes the clumsiness or lack of care involved in the mistake.

a significant lapse

This suggests a temporary failure in judgment or attention.

a terrible mistake

This alternative highlights the extent of the mistake.

a regrettable error

This alternative shows that there is regret for the mistake.

an inexcusable error

This suggests that the mistake is impossible to justify or defend.

a costly mistake

This implies that the mistake will have negative consequences.

a fundamental flaw

This focuses on the error being a basic or essential defect.

FAQs

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

Use "a gross oversight" to describe a significant error or omission resulting from carelessness or negligence. For example, "The omission of crucial data in the report was "a gross oversight" that invalidated the findings."

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

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

Is "a gross oversight" too harsh for minor mistakes?

Yes, "a gross oversight" is typically reserved for significant errors with noticeable consequences. For minor mistakes, consider milder terms like "an oversight" or "a small error".

What's the difference between "an oversight" and "a gross oversight"?

"An oversight" generally refers to any unintentional error or omission. "A gross oversight", however, implies a severe or significant error resulting from negligence or a serious lack of attention.