a major mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant error or blunder in various contexts, such as personal decisions, professional actions, or assessments. Example: "Not double-checking the report before submission was a major mistake that cost the team valuable time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a major mistake".

The New York Times

I had made a major mistake.

The New York Times

I think it's a major mistake.

The New York Times

That would be a major mistake.

The New York Times

"I think that is a major mistake".

The New York Times

It would be a major mistake to do that".

Independent

In retrospect, he said, "that was a major mistake".

The Guardian

It was a major mistake on my part.

The Guardian - Sport

"I made a major mistake at 24 years old.

The Washington Post

This turned out, however, to be a major mistake.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a major mistake on the part of Al Qaeda not to have retrieved them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

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

Common error

Avoid using "a major mistake" for trivial errors. Reserve it for situations where the consequences are genuinely significant to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from business to personal matters, to denote significant errors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major mistake" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant error. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse sources like news media and business communications. To use it effectively, ensure the context highlights the gravity and consequences of the mistake. Alternatives such as "a serious error" or "a critical error" can offer similar meanings depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant mistake

Reiterates the importance and potential impact of the mistake, similar to "a major mistake".

a critical error

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the error.

a serious error

Emphasizes the gravity of the mistake.

a grave error

Indicates a very serious and significant mistake with lasting implications.

a blunder

Suggests a foolish or careless mistake.

a misjudgment

Highlights the poor decision-making aspect of the mistake.

a strategic error

Refers to a mistake in planning or strategy.

a tactical error

Indicates a mistake in execution or implementation.

a faux pas

Implies a social mistake or breach of etiquette.

an oversight

Focuses on the unintentional nature of the mistake, implying something was missed.

FAQs

How to use "a major mistake" in a sentence?

Use "a major mistake" to describe a significant error or blunder. For example, "Failing to secure the data was "a major mistake" that led to a data breach".

What can I say instead of "a major mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious error", "a critical error", or "a grave error" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a major mistake"?

It's appropriate to use "a major mistake" when describing an error or blunder that has significant consequences or implications. It emphasizes the seriousness of the error.

What's the difference between "a major mistake" and "a minor mistake"?

"A major mistake" implies significant negative consequences, while "a minor mistake" refers to a small error with little to no serious impact. The choice depends on the severity of the error.