a major fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant error or flaw in a system, process, or argument. Example: "The report highlighted a major fault in the company's financial strategy that could lead to severe consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This represents a major fault line in the new arrangements.

The Guardian

This turned out to be a major fault line.

Harvard Business Review

At an exposure of the Median Tectonic Line, a major fault in Japan.

Yale University

"To me, that's a major fault with the No Child Left Behind Act," Mr. Roeber added.

The New York Times

Within six months she got a £3,500 bill for a major fault.

The Guardian

Ms. Lee's comments touch upon a major fault line in opinion between Washington and Seoul.

The New York Times

The 800-mile (1,300-km 1,300-kmreaSan Andreas Faultr fault lise running through most of California.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a glitch and not a major fault, but it lead to a lot of anger about high frequency trading.

Yale University

Istanbul, the country's largest city, with more than 12 million inhabitants, lies near a major fault line.

The Guardian

AS a man in his 40's, Mr. Shimoyama stands at a major fault line in the Japanese professional world.

The New York Times

Gun violence, policing and race relations have erupted as a major fault line of the 2016 presidential election.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing non-geological issues, consider more descriptive alternatives like "significant flaw" or "critical error" for clarity. Using "a major fault" in these contexts can sometimes sound too dramatic or technical.

Common error

Avoid using "a major fault" in everyday conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it sounds overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler terms like "big mistake" or "main problem" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major fault" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a significant defect, flaw, or geological fracture. Ludwig AI indicates its usage across various contexts, from technical errors to geological formations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major fault" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a significant flaw or geological feature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While appropriate in many settings, consider using simpler or more descriptive alternatives like "significant flaw" or "critical error" in casual contexts to avoid sounding overly formal. Remember to use "a major fault" accurately, whether discussing a technical error or the earth's crust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant flaw

Focuses on the aspect of a defect or imperfection.

a critical error

Emphasizes the severity and impact of the mistake.

a serious defect

Highlights the impairment of functionality or quality.

a key weakness

Points out a vulnerability or area needing improvement.

a fundamental problem

Indicates an issue that affects the core or foundation.

a glaring error

Emphasizes the obviousness and conspicuousness of the mistake.

a notable imperfection

Highlights the visibility and relevance of the blemish.

a substantial failing

Focuses on the aspect of shortcoming or deficiency.

a large fracture

Primarily used in geological contexts, referring to a break in rock formations.

a significant geological fault

Specifically refers to a large-scale geological fault line.

FAQs

What does "a major fault" mean?

The term "a major fault" can refer to a significant flaw or defect in a system, process, or product. It can also describe a substantial geological fracture or fault line.

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

You might say, "The investigation revealed "a major fault" in the security system", or "The city lies near "a major fault" line, making it prone to earthquakes".

What are some alternatives to "a major fault"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a significant flaw", "a critical error", or "a serious defect". For geological contexts, consider "a significant geological fault".

Is "a major fault" the same as "a minor fault"?

No, "a major fault" indicates a significant issue or defect, while "a minor fault" refers to a small or less important one. The distinction emphasizes the severity and impact of the problem.