a serious oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious oversight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant mistake or failure to notice something important. Example: "The failure to include the budget in the proposal was a serious oversight that could cost us the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

That is a serious oversight.

The Telegraph

It was a serious oversight in which all parties shared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because they mainly do not involve chemical changes, membrane transporters have been a Cinderella subject in the biotechnology of small molecule production, but this is a serious oversight.

Trends in Biotechnology

But given all we've gone through after the last binge in the financial industry, failing to confront the too-big-to-fail question is a serious oversight.

The New York Times

This is a serious oversight, as the degree of ADHD present in autism can have a large impact on the results.

The Guardian

13] made no mention of the part that landmarking played in the transformation, a serious oversight -- especially where the street intersects with its major hub, Union Square.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It seemed like a… serious oversight to have left your own ID in a suitcase alongside a stolen Stradivarius.

Vice

The latest moves by two senior Republicans amount to a sign that, little by little, the protective wall the GOP has built around President Trump is beginning to erode, though there is still a long, long way to go before we can expect any serious oversight.

The Washington Post

And it slams the government Minerals Management Service for being so cowed and incapacitated by industry deregulatory pressure that it failed to exert any serious oversight either.

The Economist

France remains reluctant to involve the European Commission, the permanent European Union bureaucracy, or the European Parliament, in any serious oversight role for national budgets.

The New York Times

Imperfect because he failed his own standard of openness, first while in government — he battled any serious oversight of the intelligence agencies' most controversial programs — and then again in this cheerful, overconfident account of his years there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the significance of a mistake or omission.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious oversight" for minor or trivial mistakes. Reserve this phrase for situations where the error has significant implications.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a serious oversight" is that of a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It labels and characterizes an action or inaction as a notable error. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe a significant mistake.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious oversight" is a noun phrase used to denote a significant error or omission. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in expressing concern or criticism. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academic, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the gravity of the situation and provide context to clarify the potential impact. Alternatives include "a grave mistake" or "a critical error", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave mistake

Emphasizes the severity of the error, focusing on its consequences.

a critical error

Highlights the importance of what was missed, suggesting potentially significant repercussions.

a major lapse

Focuses on the temporary failure to maintain a standard or expectation.

a significant omission

Highlights the act of leaving something out, suggesting it was an important element.

a glaring error

Suggests the error was easily noticeable and should have been avoided.

an inexcusable blunder

Implicates someone's incompetence or carelessness in the error.

a regrettable oversight

Conveys a sense of remorse about the mistake.

a costly mistake

Focuses on the negative impact of the error in economic terms.

a damaging lapse

Highlights the potential harm caused by the oversight.

a fundamental flaw

Identifies the oversight as a basic, structural problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious oversight" to point out a significant error or omission. For example: "Not including safety protocols in the training manual was "a serious oversight"".

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

You can use alternatives like "a grave mistake", "a critical error", or "a major lapse" depending on the context.

Is "a serious oversight" the same as "a minor error"?

No, "a serious oversight" implies a significant mistake with potential consequences, whereas "a minor error" refers to a small, less impactful mistake.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a serious oversight"?

Use "a serious oversight" when you want to emphasize the gravity of an error and its potential negative effects. It's suitable in formal reports, professional communications, and critical analyses.