a significant error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error that has considerable importance or impact in a given context. Example: "The report contained a significant error that affected the overall conclusions drawn from the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That was a significant error".

The New Yorker

Online matches to large databases also have a significant error rate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Saturday Paper accepted Triggs' retraction in an editorial stating she had made a "significant error".

The Guardian

She unfortunately had a significant error but the rest of her routine was good enough to get her a bronze".

The Guardian - Sport

But he could not escape scrutiny about what he admitted was a "significant error of judgment".

The New York Times

A City spokeswoman said: "The creation of the tasteless material is in itself reprehensible and in accepting and brandishing it, Carlos has made a significant error of judgment.

The Guardian - Sport

The forecasters had incorrectly predicted the size of changes in the gross national product, erring by more than 1 percentage point — a significant error — four times.

The New York Times

Only once does he acknowledge a significant error - when he appeared to endorse George Bush's tax cuts - and that was more of presentation than of substance.

The Guardian - Books

During a state hearing in that case, Dr. Ward admitted to "a significant error in professional judgment," according to a transcript.

The New York Times

Manchester City have criticised Carlos Tevez for a "significant error of judgment" after he waved a banner reading "RIP Fergie" during the club's title-winning parade.

The Guardian - Sport

The judges, who included Siméon-Denis Poisson, did not understand what Galois had written and (incorrectly) believed that it contained a significant error.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant error" to clearly and directly describe a mistake with notable consequences or impact. Avoid overly complex language when this concise phrase suffices.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant error" for minor mistakes or trivial inaccuracies. Ensure the context genuinely warrants the adjective "significant" to maintain credibility and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant error" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "error". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly identifies an error of considerable importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a mistake with considerable impact, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It finds common application across various domains, notably in science, news, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the error truly warrants the descriptor "significant", avoiding its application to trivial mistakes. Consider alternatives such as ""a major mistake"" or ""a substantial oversight"" to add nuance or emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major mistake

Emphasizes the seriousness and impact of the error.

a sizable blunder

Highlights the scale or extent of the error.

a substantial oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglecting something important.

a grave miscalculation

Stresses the severe consequences resulting from the error.

a critical fault

Indicates that the error affects a crucial aspect or function.

a considerable inaccuracy

Highlights the deviation from the correct or precise value.

a notable lapse

Emphasizes a temporary failure in judgment or attention.

a pronounced defect

Stresses the visibility or obviousness of the error.

a marked deficiency

Highlights the lack or shortage of something essential.

a severe flaw

Emphasizes the damaging effect of the error.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant error" to describe a mistake that has noticeable consequences. For instance, "The report contained "a significant error" that affected the overall conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "a significant error"?

Alternatives include "a major mistake", "a substantial oversight", or "a grave miscalculation", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "significant error" or "major error"?

Both "significant error" and "major error" are acceptable, but "major error" often implies a more severe or impactful mistake than "significant error". The best choice depends on the degree of severity you wish to emphasize.

What is the difference between "a significant error" and "a specific error"?

"A significant error" refers to a mistake with notable consequences, while "a specific error" indicates a particular, identified mistake. The former emphasizes impact, the latter, identification.