a main error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when identifying a significant mistake or flaw in a discussion, analysis, or argument. Example: "The report contained a main error that undermined its overall conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Spatial geometric errors (SGEs) as a main error source play an important role in affecting the precision of the actual CNC process, especially the grinding.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

User heading estimation is a central problem and the main error source of the step-and-heading approach.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Even though the conversion of the global irradiation on the horizontal plane to the global irradiation on the plane of the modules is a source of calculation error, the main error source comes from the model of the PV cell.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

"I believe the main error was to set a holy date for the referendum," said Tahsin Kahya, a Shiite Turkmen member of Kirkuk Provincial Council.

The New York Times

The proposed algorithm is strongly recommended when the image frequency interference is the main error source especially when a small number of cycles are contained in samples.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Multipath delay is one of the main error sources, which is a limitation of GNSS positioning accuracies improving (Wang et al. 2014).

The Journal of Global Positioning Systems

His main error was to respond to a threatened impeachment by dissolving the Supreme Court.

The Economist

The proposed comprehensive version of VIKOR also overcomes the main error of traditional VIKOR by a simpler approach.

Materials & Design

In this thicket Lil Wayne's main error was in mistaking his blockbuster for a masterpiece.

The New York Times - Arts

The interception of highly maneuver target is a representative optimal control problem, and target maneuver is one of the main error sources for the nonzero miss distance as the guidance theory points out [1].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

My main error was to overestimate the number of abstentions.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main error", ensure that it clearly identifies the most significant mistake or flaw among potentially several others. Context should establish that this is the primary concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a main error" when the issue is relatively minor or subjective. Reserve this phrase for instances where the error has substantial consequences or is objectively verifiable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main error" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant mistake or flaw. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase. It usually acts as a subject or object within a sentence, highlighting the importance of the identified error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a main error" is a common and grammatically correct way to identify a significant mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, typically used to emphasize the most critical flaw or mistake. It appears frequently in science and news contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal use. Alternatives like "a key mistake" or "a primary fault" can be used for similar effect. When using this phrase, ensure that the identified error is genuinely the most consequential one and not a minor or subjective issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key mistake

Replaces "main" with "key", suggesting a crucial or essential error.

a primary fault

Substitutes "error" with "fault", indicating a responsibility or defect.

a central flaw

Uses "flaw" instead of "error", implying a defect or imperfection in something.

a significant blunder

Replaces "error" with "blunder", suggesting a serious or clumsy mistake.

a major oversight

Uses "oversight" to imply a failure to notice or consider something important.

a principal failing

Substitutes "main" with "principal" and "error" with "failing", highlighting a weakness.

the biggest problem

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the magnitude of the issue as a "problem".

the foremost defect

Uses "foremost" and "defect" for a more formal and emphatic expression of a primary error.

the chief inadequacy

Replaces "error" with "inadequacy", suggesting a lack of something essential.

the cardinal sin

Emphasizes the severity of the error by comparing it to a fundamental transgression.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "a main error"?

You can use phrases like "a key mistake", "a primary fault", or "a central flaw" to express a similar meaning.

How does "a main error" differ from "a minor error"?

"A main error" refers to the most significant or critical mistake, while "a minor error" indicates a less important or consequential mistake. The choice depends on the severity of the error you are describing.

Is it appropriate to use "a main error" in formal writing?

Yes, "a main error" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to clearly identify the primary issue. However, consider more formal alternatives like "a principal failing" for enhanced precision.

Can "a main error" be used in both positive and negative contexts?

No, "a main error" is typically used in negative contexts to point out a flaw or mistake. It is not appropriate for describing positive attributes or achievements.