a significant flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a major defect or problem in a system, argument, or product. Example: "The report highlighted a significant flaw in the methodology that could affect the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Regrettably, the Senate bill contains a significant flaw.

The New York Times

The lack of redress is a significant flaw.

The New York Times

Hurricane Sandy also exposed a significant flaw in the initial design of the emergency system.

The New York Times - Tech

While the tunnel is in many ways a technological success, it has a significant flaw: you can't drive through it.

The New York Times

But Ashcroft polls never name the candidate – a significant flaw in seats with famous and popular incumbents.

The Guardian

Ian Christmas, secretary general of the International Iron and Steel Institute, an industry forum embracing the world's leading steelmakers, says that this approach has a significant flaw.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Brueys' dispositions had a second significant flaw: The 160-yard gaps between ships were large enough for a British ship to push through and break the French line.

Wikipedia

The spokesman, Jim Branham, said: "It seems to us to be a pretty significant flaw".

The New York Times

"In my view, that represents a very significant flaw" in baseball's testing program, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

In some ways, however, a more significant flaw opens up in the film's last hour, when the story is no longer about the Civil War's effects on the South, or about Scarlett's steel-willed striving to regain her fortune.

BBC

Unterberger similarly cites the inclusion of Apple Jam as "a very significant flaw", while recognising that its content "proved to be of immense musical importance", with the formation of Derek and the Dominos.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant flaw", ensure that you clearly articulate the consequences or impact of the flaw to emphasize its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant flaw" for minor issues. Reserve it for problems that genuinely have a substantial impact or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant flaw" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "flaw". Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical use, often introducing a problem or shortcoming.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant flaw" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to denote a notable imperfection or weakness. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, including News & Media and Scientific publications. Related phrases include "a major weakness" and "a critical defect", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the flaw's significance is clearly articulated to maximize impact. Remember to reserve it for issues with real consequences and avoid overstating minor problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major weakness

Replaces "flaw" with "weakness", emphasizing the vulnerability aspect.

a critical defect

Substitutes "significant" with "critical" and "flaw" with "defect", highlighting the severity of the issue.

a substantial imperfection

Uses "substantial" instead of "significant" and "imperfection" instead of "flaw", softening the negative connotation slightly.

a notable shortcoming

Replaces "flaw" with "shortcoming", focusing on the deficiency aspect.

a serious failing

Emphasizes the failure aspect, using "serious" to highlight the importance of the flaw.

a considerable fault

Substitutes "significant" with "considerable" and "flaw" with "fault", indicating a noteworthy error.

a glaring imperfection

Replaces "significant" with "glaring", emphasizing the obviousness of the flaw.

a key vulnerability

Focuses on the vulnerability aspect, suggesting a point of weakness that can be exploited.

a major deficiency

Highlights the lack or inadequacy, using "deficiency" instead of "flaw".

a profound weakness

Emphasizes the depth and impact of the weakness.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant flaw" to point out a major defect or problem. For example: "The analysis revealed "a significant flaw" in the design of the bridge".

What are some alternatives to "a significant flaw"?

You can use alternatives like "a major weakness", "a critical defect", or "a substantial imperfection" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a significant flaw" or "a major flaw"?

Both "a significant flaw" and "a major flaw" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, with "significant" suggesting a more nuanced and potentially less obvious issue than "major".

What's the difference between "a flaw" and "a significant flaw"?

While "a flaw" simply indicates an imperfection, ""a significant flaw"" emphasizes that the imperfection is important and has substantial consequences.