a profound error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious mistake in various contexts, such as academic writing, critiques, or discussions. Example: "The decision to ignore the data was a profound error that affected the outcome of the research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Meanwhile, in a letter to the Guardian, nine university vice-chancellors warn the government that it is making a "profound error" by withdrawing public funds from undergraduate teaching.

The Guardian

When we sat down and he saw that the tape was running again, he picked up exactly where he had left off: "I think it is a mistake in thinking, a profound error.

The New Yorker

The level of cooperation between the Venezuelans and the Iranians is so substantial with respect to arms transfers, agricultural projects and explicit, direct support of Hamas and Hezbollah that it would be a profound error not to hold the Russians at least partially accountable for actions by these groups, which are destabilizing an already unstable world.

Forbes

"It's a profound error to confuse nationalism with racism".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Dr Hugh Morrison, a mathematician from Queens University, Belfast, said that the model used to calculate the triennial rankings is "utterly wrong" because it contains a "profound" conceptual error that confuses objective and subjective probability.

Independent

Those on the wrong side of history need to acknowledge the profound error that they made, instead of cheerleading further interventions.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, Mr. Corzine said, by appointing Mr. Cipel to a position in charge of domestic security in January 2002 -- even though he had no background in fighting terrorism -- Mr. McGreevey had committed the kind of profound error that would allow his political opponents to raise devastating questions about his judgment.

The New York Times

For spectral mixture analysis, endmember class and spectra variability have been recognized as profound error sources.

Advances in Space Research

If wrongly understood as conveyors of substantial meaning, they became the source of profound error.

SEP

It is not too late to correct that profound error.

Huffington Post

Although the report does not single out individuals, it states that "profound errors in judgment" were made over the years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a profound error" when you want to emphasize the depth and significance of a mistake, indicating it has far-reaching consequences or reveals a serious flaw in thinking or judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "a profound error" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone is more appropriate for serious discussions, academic papers, or professional critiques.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound error" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" is an adjective modifying the noun "error". It serves to describe a mistake or error that is significant in its impact or depth. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a profound error" denotes a significant and deeply impactful mistake, according to Ludwig. Grammatically sound and suitable for formal contexts like news reporting and scientific discussions, this phrase emphasizes the gravity of an error. While alternatives such as "a serious blunder" or "a grave mistake" exist, "a profound error" specifically underscores the depth and far-reaching implications of the error. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, but its formal tone should be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious blunder

Emphasizes the clumsiness or carelessness of the error.

a grave mistake

Highlights the severe consequences of the error.

a critical fault

Focuses on the decisiveness and importance of the error.

a major miscalculation

Suggests an error in planning or estimation.

a significant oversight

Indicates a failure to notice or consider something important.

a fundamental flaw

Points to a basic or essential weakness.

a deep misjudgment

Emphasizes the level of bad judgment.

a monumental lapse

Indicates a significant failure in memory or concentration.

a terrible misstep

Highlights an action that is considered the wrong one.

an egregious blunder

Emphasizes how shockingly bad the blunder was.

FAQs

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

You can use "a profound error" to describe a mistake that has significant and far-reaching consequences. For example: "Ignoring the expert's advice proved to be "a profound error" that cost the company millions."

What are some alternatives to "a profound error"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a serious mistake", "a grave error", or "a critical fault" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "profound error" or "serious error"?

While both are correct, ""a profound error"" suggests a deeper, more impactful mistake than "a serious error". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

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

"A profound error" implies that the mistake is not just a simple oversight, but rather a fundamental flaw in thinking or judgment that leads to significant negative consequences.