a substantial blunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial blunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant mistake or error in judgment or action. Example: "The team's failure to prepare adequately for the presentation resulted in a substantial blunder that cost them the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was horrible - a real blunder.

The Guardian - Arts

It is uncertain if wobbegongs take a substantial amount of prey that simply blunders into proximity while they sit on the bottom (as shown in a recent video), or if they do so by active prowling and stalking at night.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

We made a substantial bid.

The Guardian

This is a substantial grievance.

The Economist

A substantial and satisfying volume.

Independent

This is a substantial upgrade".

The New York Times

A substantial irony enters here.

The New York Times

That is a substantial amount.

The Economist

A Substantial Drink Problem.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A substantial hole.

The New Yorker

A substantial amount.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial blunder", ensure the context clearly indicates the significance and negative impact of the mistake. Avoid using it for minor errors or trivial issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial blunder" to describe minor errors or inconsequential mistakes. Reserve it for situations where the error has significant and demonstrable negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial blunder" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "blunder". It describes a mistake or error, emphasizing its significant or considerable nature. This is consistent with how the phrase is used in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial blunder" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a significant error or mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its usage in various contexts. While its frequency is currently categorized as missing, it is suitable for formal writing and professional communication. Related phrases such as "a significant error" or "a major mistake" can be used as alternatives. Ensure the context aligns with the gravity of the mistake to use the phrase effectively. Also, keep in mind to use this expression when there is a demonstrable negative consequence from a mistake.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant error

Replaces "blunder" with "error" and "substantial" with "significant", keeping the overall meaning intact.

a major mistake

Substitutes both adjectives for more common synonyms, conveying a similar level of severity.

a gross miscalculation

Focuses on the aspect of miscalculation, highlighting the flawed judgment involved.

a serious oversight

Emphasizes the aspect of neglecting something important, leading to a significant error.

a costly error

Highlights the negative consequences of the error, focusing on the cost incurred.

a grave mistake

Replaces "substantial" with "grave" to emphasize the severity of the mistake.

a monumental failure

Conveys the idea of a large-scale failure resulting from a blunder.

a regrettable incident

Downplays the severity of the blunder by referring to it as an "incident", while still acknowledging its negative nature.

an egregious error

Replaces "substantial" with "egregious" to denote an error that is particularly shocking or blatant.

a critical lapse in judgment

Focuses on the lack of good judgment, emphasizing the flawed decision-making process.

FAQs

What does "a substantial blunder" mean?

The phrase "a substantial blunder" refers to a significant or major mistake, typically one that has notable negative consequences.

How can I use "a substantial blunder" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial blunder" to describe an action or decision that resulted in a considerable error. For example: "The team's failure to prepare adequately for the presentation resulted in "a substantial blunder" that cost them the contract."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial blunder"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant error", "a major mistake", or "a serious oversight depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a substantial blunder" in formal writing?

Yes, "a substantial blunder" is appropriate for formal writing as it conveys a clear and professional tone when describing a significant error. More informal contexts may benefit from using alternatives that don't sound as serious.