a major error

USAGE SUMMARY

"a major error" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an important mistake or wrong decision that has significant consequences. For example, "His mistake of not entering the contest was a major error that cost him the grand prize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did the investigators make a major error?

The New York Times

Varoufakis calls that decision a "major error".

The Guardian

It was a major error, compounding his image as an elitist snob.

The Guardian

Privately, Williams has admitted that letting Button go to Renault was a major error of judgement.

Independent

Tropospheric delay is a major error source in positioning by Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs).

Measurement

This a major error of assessment, because it underestimates the passion of football as well as its geopolitical dimension".

The Guardian - Sport

Professor Garcia predicted that only "a major error or blunder" would cost Mr. Richardson a victory in November.

The New York Times

"We would make a major error if we underestimated the challenge al Qida poses," the memorandum said.

The New York Times

A major error source was found to be the stationary solution procedure that was chosen for all simulations.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

She characterizes his denunciation of hecklers as warriors "from Jerusalem" as "a major error" that "enabled his opponents to charge him with anti-Semitism".

The New York Times - Books

The scaling mistake that Dr. Bartoshuk has drawn attention to, he agreed, "is a major error that you'll find in major places".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major error", ensure the context clearly indicates the consequences or impact of the mistake to emphasize its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a major error" for minor or trivial mistakes. Reserve it for situations where the error has substantial consequences or implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major error" functions as a noun phrase, where "major" modifies the noun "error". Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying or describing a significant mistake.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major error" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that identifies a significant mistake with potentially serious consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to reserve it for errors that genuinely warrant the "major" designation, avoiding its application to trivial mistakes. Alternatives such as ""a critical mistake"" or ""a serious blunder"" can provide nuanced expressions of a significant mistake.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical mistake

Emphasizes the severity and potential consequences of the error.

a serious blunder

Highlights the clumsiness or carelessness of the mistake.

a grave fault

Implies a deep and significant mistake, often with moral implications.

a significant oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglecting something important.

a disastrous miscalculation

Stresses the negative outcome resulting from the incorrect calculation or judgment.

a costly mistake

Highlights the financial or other tangible losses incurred because of the error.

an egregious error

Emphasizes the shocking or outstandingly bad nature of the mistake.

a fundamental flaw

Indicates a basic or essential defect that leads to problems.

a regrettable lapse

Focuses on the feeling of regret associated with the mistake.

a colossal failure

Highlights the immense scale and impact of the error.

FAQs

How can I use "a major error" in a sentence?

You can use "a major error" to describe a significant mistake, such as: "Failing to secure the network was "a major error" that exposed sensitive data."

What's a good alternative to "a major error"?

Alternatives include "a critical mistake", "a serious blunder", or "a significant oversight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a major error" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and direct way to describe a significant mistake, as supported by its use in news media and scientific publications.

What distinguishes "a major error" from a minor mistake?

"A major error" implies substantial consequences or impact, while a minor mistake has minimal repercussions. The key difference lies in the scale and significance of the outcome.