a monumental error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a monumental error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious mistake that has considerable consequences. Example: "The decision to ignore the warning signs was a monumental error that cost the company millions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In my view however, it's a monumental error.

The Guardian - Travel

Shortly after that attack, in a rare admission, the I.R.A. described it as "a monumental error".

The New York Times

Taylor had made a "monumental error of judgment" which had destroyed his life.

The Guardian

Practically everybody in Washington agrees that Trump made a monumental error in firing Comey.

The New Yorker

History has demonstrated that the violence and humiliation inflicted upon Japanese-Americans after Pearl Harbor was a monumental error.

The New York Times

Pyatt's lawyer Nigel Rumfitt QC told the court there had been a "monumental error of judgment in pursuing the case".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Mitigating, Mohammed Khamisa QC told the judge that the peer was a man of previous good character who had made "a single monumental error of judgment which has destroyed his life".

Independent

That was a monumental mistake.

The Guardian

Its hard to enjoy once you feel like they've made such a kind of monumental error in their approach to feminism".

Huffington Post

The changing perception of Labour from the party of the people to the party of the establishment, consolidated by what many consider the monumental error of sharing a platform with the Conservatives during the referendum campaign, is one that local activists struggle with.

The Guardian

"That was a monumental diplomatic error".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a monumental error" to emphasize the significant negative consequences of a mistake. This phrase is particularly effective when the error has far-reaching implications.

Common error

Avoid using "a monumental error" to describe minor mistakes or inconveniences. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the error has serious and lasting repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a monumental error" functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It typically identifies a specific action or decision recognized as a significant mistake with notable negative consequences. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is correctly used in writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a monumental error" signifies a substantial mistake with significant negative repercussions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternatives such as "a colossal blunder" or "a disastrous mistake" exist, "a monumental error" is best reserved for situations where the error's impact is truly severe, as evidenced by the examples found. Avoid overusing the phrase for minor inconveniences to maintain its intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a colossal blunder

Replaces "monumental error" with synonyms that emphasize the large scale of the mistake.

a disastrous mistake

Focuses on the negative consequences of the error, highlighting its harmful impact.

a grave miscalculation

Emphasizes that the error was due to incorrect planning or assessment.

an egregious oversight

Highlights the carelessness or negligence that led to the error.

a significant failing

Puts the focus on the error as a lack of success or achievement.

a terrible lapse in judgment

Highlights that the error was due to a poor decision.

an epic fail

Uses a more informal expression to describe a complete and utter failure.

a critical misstep

Emphasizes that the error significantly hindered progress or success.

a cataclysmic mistake

Uses stronger language to describe the mistake as something that caused major destruction and change.

a resounding failure

Highlights that the error was widely recognized and had a negative outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a monumental error" to describe a significant mistake with serious consequences. For example, "Ignoring the expert's advice proved to be a monumental error".

What are some alternatives to saying "a monumental error"?

Alternatives include "a colossal blunder", "a disastrous mistake", or "a grave miscalculation", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "monumental error" or "big mistake"?

"Monumental error" is more formal and emphasizes the significant impact of the mistake, while "big mistake" is more casual and general. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

What distinguishes "a monumental error" from "a simple mistake"?

"A monumental error" suggests that the mistake had far-reaching and severe consequences, unlike "a simple mistake", which implies a minor and easily corrected error.