a serious mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"a serious mistake" is a correct phrase and phrase and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: I realized I had made a serious mistake when I failed to save my work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a serious mistake.

The Economist

A serious mistake.

The Guardian

Yet a serious mistake still occurred.

The New York Times - Sports

That, he says, is a serious mistake.

The New York Times

(5) I made a serious mistake.

The New York Times

That would be a serious mistake.

The New York Times

"That was a serious mistake".

The New York Times

And it is a serious mistake.

The Guardian

This would be a serious mistake.

The Times

And that is quite a serious mistake".

The New York Times

I believe that this is a serious mistake.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious mistake", ensure the context clearly indicates the severity and potential consequences of the error. Providing specific details can enhance the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious mistake" for minor errors. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious mistake" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular error or action and characterizes it as having significant negative consequences. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting the gravity of the error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious mistake" is a commonly used phrase to highlight an error with significant negative implications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across varied contexts such as news, academia, and business. When employing this phrase, ensure the situation warrants its gravity to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "a grave error" or "a critical blunder" can provide nuanced variations. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate the importance and impact of an error in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave error

Emphasizes the severe consequences and potential impact of the mistake.

a critical blunder

Highlights the mistake's potential to cause significant problems or failures.

a major oversight

Suggests the mistake occurred because of inattention or failure to notice something important.

a regrettable error

Focuses on the feeling of sadness or disappointment associated with the mistake.

a significant miscalculation

Points out the error was the result of incorrect planning or estimation.

a costly error

Highlights the negative consequences of the mistake in terms of resources, time or opportunities lost.

a damaging fault

Emphasizes the harm or negative impact caused by the mistake.

a crucial failing

Suggests that the mistake indicates a fundamental weakness or deficiency.

a monumental lapse

Emphasizes the exceptional size or extent of the mistake, adding an element of surprise.

an egregious fault

Focuses on how shockingly bad or outstandingly terrible is the fault.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious mistake" to describe an error with significant negative consequences. For example: "Failing to back up your data was "a serious mistake" that led to a loss of important files."

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

"A serious mistake" implies significant negative consequences or repercussions, while "a minor error" refers to a small, relatively inconsequential mistake.

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

You can use alternatives like "a grave error", "a critical blunder", or "a major oversight" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to describe a mistake as ""a serious mistake""?

No, the appropriateness depends on the context. Only use ""a serious mistake"" when the error has significant negative consequences. Otherwise, a milder term like "error" or "oversight" may be more suitable.