a key mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a significant or crucial error in a particular context, such as in discussions about decision-making or analysis. Example: "The team's failure to communicate effectively was a key mistake that led to the project's downfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

At that moment, Leaney made a key mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

Still a final is a particularly bad occasion on which to make a key mistake.

The Guardian - Sport

Cabrera only reached first base, and was later thrown out trying to score —a key mistake in a 4-2 loss that cut Detroit's lead to one game.

The New York Times - Sports

A key mistake is setting the bar too high when it comes to exercising, with tough workouts putting off sedentary beginners.

Independent

Mr. Helfrecht, whose sharp eyes caught the error, said he was frustrated that so many officials missed such a key mistake.

The New York Times

Those traveling through the tunnel do not even get a glimpse of the sea, a key mistake by the tunnel's architects.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

His key mistake was a long approach shot to the 13th green that ended up in the bunker behind the green.

The New York Times

The authors say that the "key mistake" was an "excessive faith in, and reliance on, free markets".

The Economist

Through four sets, amazingly, neither player had his serve broken, but the quarterfinal with the feel of a final came down to a fourth-set tie breaker and one key mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

That was the key mistake, but it's a rule of modern broadcasting that you can't have a TV show without Ukip; even repeats of old children's classics are being re-edited as Mary, Mungo and Farage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Skilling's other key mistake: the sale of a large quantity of Enron stock on Sept. 17, 2001, the first day of trading after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key mistake" to emphasize a single, impactful error among several smaller issues, drawing attention to the most important aspect of the problem.

Common error

Avoid labeling minor or inconsequential errors as "a key mistake". This dilutes the impact of the phrase and can misrepresent the true significance of the error within the broader context. Reserve it for truly pivotal missteps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key mistake" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and labels a particular error as highly significant. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. Examples found by Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, such as sports, business, and personal development, consistently highlighting critical errors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a key mistake" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to highlight a crucial error with significant consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When writing, reserve this phrase for pivotal errors to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases like "a crucial error" or "a significant blunder" can offer nuanced emphasis. Avoiding the overstatement of minor errors is essential to preserve the phrase's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial error

This alternative emphasizes the critical nature of the mistake and its potential impact.

a significant blunder

This phrase suggests a mistake of considerable size and importance, often implying carelessness or poor judgment.

a pivotal error

This suggests the mistake served as a turning point, often with negative consequences.

a critical oversight

This emphasizes that the mistake was due to a failure to notice or consider something important.

a major failing

This phrase points to a significant deficiency or weakness that resulted in the error.

a grave misstep

This suggests a serious and consequential error in judgment or action.

a fatal flaw

This indicates an inherent weakness or defect that ultimately leads to failure.

a costly error

This stresses the negative consequences and expenses associated with the mistake.

a damaging fault

This highlights the harm or injury caused by the error.

an egregious mistake

This phrase underscores the shocking or outstandingly bad nature of the error.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key mistake" to highlight a significant error, for example: "Not addressing customer concerns was "a key mistake" that led to declining sales."

What are some alternatives to "a key mistake"?

Alternatives include "a crucial error", "a significant blunder", or "a critical oversight" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "key mistake" or "major mistake"?

Both "key mistake" and "major mistake" are acceptable, but "key mistake" often implies that the mistake had a pivotal impact, while "major mistake" simply indicates a large error.

What does it mean when someone identifies "a key mistake"?

Identifying "a key mistake" means pinpointing a specific error that had a substantial and consequential impact on an outcome or situation.