a massive error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a massive error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant mistake or blunder in various contexts, such as in reports, discussions, or critiques. Example: "The team discovered a massive error in the calculations that affected the final results of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There was a backlash of critical opinion, but the suggestion that this tale was a massive error of taste never gained favour.

The Guardian - Film

Several US diplomats later saw this as a massive error that doomed from the start American and British intervention in Afghanistan.

Independent

The Liberal Democrat health spokesman, Norman Lamb, said: "It is a massive error of judgement to have this link with Nestlé, given her [Ms Cooper's] position.

Independent

Firstly their own incompetence; it seems they are incapable of getting anything right, and overlooking the fact that being next door to each other and sharing the diary room the houses may not be soundproof was a massive error.

The Guardian

Sir Clive Woodward says his former coaching assistant Brian Ashton made a "massive error" in dropping Danny Cipriani after he was pictured leaving a London nightclub in the early hours of Thursday morning having dropped off match tickets for a friend.

The Guardian - Sport

This will be seen not only as a massive error of judgment, and a wholly unnecessary kowtowing to the Eurosceptics in his party, but the most devastating demonstration of the reason why true democracy does not involve taking major and complex decisions by referendum.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

As a consequence, it appears to be another massive error theory of auditory perception.

SEP

This is a massive strategic error on the part of agricultural commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel.

The Guardian - Opinion

The prime minister's failure to grasp the significance of the first day's Panama Papers revelations about his father's offshore company can be seen, admittedly on hindsight, as a massive PR error.

The Guardian

The redesigned hundred-dollar bill was meant to be released in early 2011, but has been delayed for the past two years because of a massive printing error, separate from the recent mashing problem, in which some notes were left with a blank spot.

The New Yorker

Follow Mark on Twitter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a massive error" to emphasize the significant scale or impact of a mistake. Consider using it when the error has far-reaching consequences or represents a major failure of judgment.

Common error

While "a massive error" is suitable for significant mistakes, avoid using it for minor or trivial errors. Overusing hyperbolic language can diminish the impact when describing truly significant errors. Use more nuanced language to provide the appropiate weight to the error commited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a massive error" functions as a noun phrase, where "massive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "error". It describes the nature of the error, emphasizing its significant size or impact. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a massive error" is a grammatically sound and readily understood phrase, primarily employed to underscore the significance of a mistake across various domains. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid. It is most prevalent in News & Media, but also appears in scientific and other professional contexts. Remember to use it judiciously for truly substantial errors and explore the related phrases provided for nuanced expressions. The phrase serves to highlight not just the presence of an error, but its considerable scale and potential consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a colossal mistake

Emphasizes the enormity and impact of the error.

a huge blunder

Highlights the clumsiness or carelessness of the error.

a monumental failure

Focuses on the unsuccessful outcome resulting from the error.

a grave miscalculation

Suggests a serious misjudgment or faulty planning.

a serious oversight

Implies a critical detail was missed or neglected.

a significant fault

Indicates a notable defect or flaw in a process or system.

a major lapse

Highlights a temporary failure in judgment or behavior.

a critical flaw

Emphasizes a fundamental weakness that undermines the entire system.

a terrible mistake

Highlights the severe consequences resulting from the error.

an egregious error

Emphasizes the shocking or outrageous nature of the error.

FAQs

What does "a massive error" mean?

The phrase "a massive error" signifies a very large or significant mistake, implying substantial consequences or impact.

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

You might say, "The accounting department discovered "a massive error" in the financial statements, which could have serious implications for the company's tax liabilities."

What are some alternatives to "a massive error"?

You can use alternatives such as "a colossal mistake", "a huge blunder", or "a monumental failure" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a massive error" to describe a mistake?

No, it's important to reserve "a massive error" for situations where the mistake is truly significant. For smaller mistakes, consider using terms like "a simple mistake" or "a minor error".