a major oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

'a major oversight' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a significant mistake or error in judgement. For example, "The board of directors were heavily criticized for their major oversight in not responding to the news reports".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

According to club promoter Patrick Lilley, that's a major oversight.

The Guardian - Music

"It has been a major oversight in my life," she said.

The New York Times

A major oversight is that the artists' media are nowhere discussed.

The New York Times - Books

But I didn't have to dig deep to realise it would be a major oversight.

The Guardian - Film

The book is a classic, its insights and prose recipes still tantalizing four decades later, but it contains a major oversight.

The New York Times - Food

It may seem something of a major oversight now, but I do not remember Tendulkar occupying a huge amount of our time at team meetings during that series.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

That is the painful truth… it was a major strategic oversight and we know who is responsible.

TechCrunch

When you look closely at what triggers crises in organizations, you often see that there is a major leadership oversight or blind spot that has allowed the crisis to exist in the first place – and then grow, unrecognized, until it's too late.

Forbes

Among a string of widely publicized missteps, a major hospital oversight occurred when Duncan first sought treatment on September 20 with symptoms commonly linked to Ebola.

Vice

Major oversight, Feldman.

The New Yorker

If there was one major oversight during this year's awards season, it was his shut-out for Take Shelter.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major oversight", ensure the context clearly identifies what was overlooked and why it is significant. Being specific strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a major oversight" for minor or trivial errors. Reserve it for situations where the omission or mistake has considerable consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major oversight" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant error or omission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to express criticism or highlight a critical flaw.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major oversight" is used to describe a significant error or omission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in writing, particularly in News & Media and Science. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the overlooked aspect and its importance. Avoid overusing it for minor errors. Remember that "a major oversight" serves to emphasize the severity of a mistake or the gravity of an omission, often with the intention of prompting corrective measures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious error

Substitutes 'oversight' with 'error', emphasizing the mistake's importance.

a critical mistake

Replaces 'major' with 'critical', stressing the severe consequences of the error.

a significant lapse

Replaces 'oversight' with 'lapse', indicating a temporary failure of concentration or judgment.

a glaring omission

Emphasizes the act of leaving something out rather than a general mistake.

a grave misjudgment

Replaces 'oversight' with 'misjudgment', shifting the focus to the flawed decision-making process.

a notable blunder

Replaces 'oversight' with 'blunder', highlighting a careless or stupid mistake.

a considerable slip-up

Uses a more informal term 'slip-up' to denote a minor error that still has consequences.

a substantial neglect

Focuses on the lack of attention or care given to something, resulting in the mistake.

a consequential failure

Highlights the negative results or effects produced by not doing or achieving what is needed

a monumental gaffe

Replaces 'oversight' with 'gaffe', emphasizing a socially awkward or impolitic act.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major oversight" to point out a significant error or omission, such as, "Failing to include safety protocols in the plan was "a major oversight"".

What are some alternatives to "a major oversight"?

Alternatives include "a serious error", "a significant lapse", or "a critical mistake", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a major oversight" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious errors or omissions in reports, analyses, or official documents.

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

"A major oversight" refers to a significant and consequential error, while "a minor oversight" indicates a less important and less impactful mistake.