a terrible mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an error or decision that has significant negative consequences. Example: "Realizing I had sent the email to the wrong recipient was a terrible mistake that I regretted immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a terrible mistake.

The New York Times

That was a terrible mistake.

The New York Times

This is a terrible mistake.

Forbes

They made a terrible mistake".

The New York Times

It'd be a terrible mistake.

The Washington Post

It seemed a terrible mistake.

The Guardian

Had I made a terrible mistake?

The New Yorker

Someone had made a terrible mistake.

The New York Times

But the television was a terrible mistake.

The New Yorker

It would be a terrible mistake.

The New York Times

I think it was a terrible mistake.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a terrible mistake", be specific about the mistake's consequences to amplify the gravity of the situation. Instead of simply stating "It was a terrible mistake", elaborate by adding "...which led to significant financial losses" or "...and damaged our reputation".

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible mistake" as a catch-all phrase without providing context or details. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem less precise. Always strive to specify the nature and impact of the mistake.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible mistake" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes an error or action that has had significantly negative consequences. Ludwig AI validates this usage by providing numerous real-world examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible mistake" is a commonly used phrase to describe a significant error with negative repercussions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to be specific about the mistake and its consequences to maximize its impact. Consider alternatives like "a grave error" or "a serious blunder" to add nuance. Avoid overuse and vague language to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave error

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the error, similar to "a terrible mistake" but with a more formal tone.

a serious blunder

Focuses on the clumsiness or lack of skill that led to the mistake, implying a degree of carelessness.

a regrettable error

Highlights the speaker's sorrow or disappointment about the mistake, emphasizing the emotional impact.

a major miscalculation

Suggests that the mistake was due to faulty planning or assessment, implying a failure in judgment.

a critical oversight

Emphasizes the neglect or failure to notice something important, highlighting the lack of attention to detail.

a colossal failure

Stresses the magnitude and complete lack of success resulting from the mistake, indicating a significant setback.

an egregious mistake

Implies that the mistake was shockingly bad or blatant, highlighting its outrageous nature.

a lamentable error

Indicates that the mistake is worthy of grief or regret, emphasizing its unfortunate nature.

a disastrous decision

Focuses on the poor judgment involved in making the decision, highlighting the negative consequences that followed.

a fatal flaw

Suggests that the mistake is a fundamental weakness that leads to inevitable failure, emphasizing its unavoidable consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrible mistake" to express regret or to acknowledge a significant error. For example: "Realizing I had sent the email to the wrong recipient was "a terrible mistake" that I regretted immediately."

What are some alternatives to "a terrible mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "a grave error", "a serious blunder", or "a regrettable error" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a terrible mistake" or "a big mistake"?

"A terrible mistake" suggests a more severe error with significant consequences compared to "a big mistake", which is a more general term for any substantial error. The best choice depends on the severity of the mistake you are describing.

What makes a mistake "terrible"?

A mistake is considered "terrible" when it leads to significant negative consequences, causes substantial harm, or results in considerable regret. The degree of impact determines whether a mistake is merely an error or "a terrible mistake".