a horrible mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"a horrible mistake" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a mistake that is very bad or severe. Example: Tom realized he had made a horrible mistake by taking the wrong turn, causing them to get lost in the woods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a horrible mistake.

Independent

That was a horrible mistake.

The Washington Post

"It was a horrible mistake.

The New York Times

"Harry, you've made a horrible mistake".

The Guardian

More restrictions would be a horrible mistake.

The Guardian - Opinion

I told myself I had made a horrible mistake.

The New York Times

The examiner's office knew it had made a horrible mistake.

The New York Times

"It was just a horrible mistake," Mr. Cantrell said.

The New York Times

"He's making a horrible mistake," a baseball official said.

The New York Times - Sports

I could save McPhee from making a horrible mistake!

The New Yorker

He remembers thinking that it was an "act of foolishness, a horrible mistake".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a horrible mistake", ensure the context clearly establishes the severity and negative consequences of the error. This phrasing is most effective when emphasizing the impact of the mistake.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating minor errors by labeling them as "a horrible mistake". This phrase is best reserved for situations where the consequences are genuinely significant and negative. Using it too often can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a horrible mistake" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It identifies a particular instance of error characterized by its severity. Ludwig shows many examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a horrible mistake" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a severe error with significant negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the gravity of the mistake warrants such strong language and consider more formal alternatives like "a grave error" or "a disastrous miscalculation" depending on your audience and tone. Avoid overusing the phrase to prevent diminishing its impact. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources and is deemed to be of neutral formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a terrible blunder

Replaces "mistake" with "blunder", implying a more careless and significant error.

a grave error

Uses "grave" to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of the mistake.

a disastrous miscalculation

Specifies the mistake as a "miscalculation", often used in contexts involving planning or strategy.

a colossal failure

Highlights the magnitude of the failure resulting from the mistake.

an unforgivable error

Emphasizes the severity of the mistake to the point where it is difficult to excuse.

a regrettable oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglect or inattention that led to the mistake.

a monumental screw-up

Uses informal language to describe a very large and impactful mistake.

a painful lesson

Reframes the mistake as a learning experience, emphasizing the negative emotions associated with it.

a costly misjudgment

Highlights the financial or other resources lost due to the mistake.

a fatal flaw

Implies the mistake is a critical weakness that leads to ultimate failure.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a horrible mistake"?

Alternatives include "a terrible blunder", "a grave error", or "a disastrous miscalculation", depending on the specific context and the severity of the error.

Is it appropriate to use "a horrible mistake" in formal writing?

Yes, "a horrible mistake" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing serious errors with significant consequences. However, consider using more formal synonyms like "a grave error" or "a disastrous miscalculation" for a more professional tone.

How does "a horrible mistake" differ from "a simple mistake"?

"A horrible mistake" implies severe consequences and significant negative impact, whereas "a simple mistake" refers to a minor error with little to no serious repercussions. The choice depends on the magnitude of the error you are describing.

Can "a horrible mistake" be used to describe both actions and decisions?

Yes, "a horrible mistake" can describe both actions (e.g., "He made "a horrible mistake" by deleting the files") and decisions (e.g., "Choosing that route was "a horrible mistake""), as long as the consequences are severe.