a tragic mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tragic mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error or decision that has serious negative consequences, often evoking a sense of sorrow or regret. Example: "The decision to ignore the warning signs turned out to be a tragic mistake that cost many lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I thought it was a tragic mistake.

The New York Times

"It was a tragic mistake," Bratton said.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I believe that would be a tragic mistake".

The New York Times

IT WAS, as Bill Clinton swiftly noted, a "tragic mistake".

The Economist

I believe that would be a tragic mistake".

The New York Times

All too quickly, a tragic mistake leads to murder.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was a tragic accident, a tragic mistake.

The New York Times

"I believe that is a tragic mistake," the senator said.

The New York Times

Legal arguments aside, the Guantánamo policies are a tragic mistake.

The New York Times

"What David did outside his marriage was a tragic mistake, and what Clara did was a tragic mistake," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Goddard called the law a "tragic mistake" that "does nothing to make us safer".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tragic mistake" when you want to emphasize the severe and unfortunate consequences of an action or decision. It's particularly effective in contexts where the mistake has led to significant loss or suffering.

Common error

Avoid using "a tragic mistake" to describe trivial errors. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for truly serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tragic mistake" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object, providing a description of an event, decision, or action. It describes something as an error that has resulted in severe negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tragic mistake" is a phrase used to describe an error or decision with serious negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in news and media contexts. Its usage implies condemnation, regret, or sorrow, highlighting the gravity of the situation. While it’s a common phrase, it should be reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong description, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "a devastating error" or "a calamitous blunder" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Top sources include The New York Times and The Economist, affirming its use in authoritative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating error

Emphasizes the destructive consequences of the mistake.

a grievous error

Emphasizes the serious and distressing nature of the mistake.

a calamitous blunder

Highlights the disastrous and careless nature of the mistake.

an unfortunate misjudgment

Focuses on the poor decision-making aspect of the mistake and its negative consequences.

a catastrophic miscalculation

Highlights the element of miscalculation and its ruinous consequences.

a regrettable oversight

Stresses the aspect of negligence or inattention that led to the mistake.

a heartbreaking error

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by the mistake.

a fatal flaw

Suggests the mistake was an inherent weakness leading to failure.

a lamentable slip-up

Suggests a regrettable and careless mistake.

a dire misstep

Emphasizes the serious and threatening consequences of the mistake.

FAQs

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

Use "a tragic mistake" to describe an error or decision that has resulted in significant negative consequences. For example, "The invasion of Iraq was "a tragic mistake" that destabilized the region."

What are some synonyms for "a tragic mistake"?

Alternatives include "a devastating error", "a calamitous blunder", or "a grievous error", each emphasizing different aspects of the mistake's impact.

Is "a tragic mistake" too strong for everyday errors?

Yes, "a tragic mistake" implies serious consequences. For minor errors, consider using less dramatic phrases like "an error", "a slip-up", or "an oversight".

What makes a mistake "tragic"?

A mistake becomes "tragic" when it leads to significant loss, suffering, or irreversible damage. It's not just an error, but one with severe and unfortunate outcomes.