an egregious error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an egregious error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that is remarkably bad or shocking in nature. Example: "The accountant made an egregious error in the financial report, leading to significant losses for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

This is an egregious error.

The Guardian

This would be an egregious error.

The New York Times

History will judge the decision as an egregious error.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is clear that SSG Beck exhibited an egregious error in judgment," the investigating officer summarizes.

The New York Times - Magazine

It took an egregious error to call it into question in Duane Buck's case.

The New York Times

Dr. Wiesner's failure to distinguish between U.S. "statements" and Soviet "action" constitutes an egregious error.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Why, they ask, did the exchange allow trading in J-Com to continue until the end of business Thursday, instead of calling a halt and correcting an obviously egregious error?

Los Angeles Times

The nurse in the scene from "Billions" made an especially egregious error when you consider the girl having the allergic reaction exhibited multiple signs from two systems.

Huffington Post

Times leader "Not only is this a direct attack on the freedom of the press, it also suggests the Met has learnt nothing since making a similarly egregious error in arresting Damian Green, the Tory MP, in an effort to track down the source of his information.

The Guardian

A court of appeals, for example, could invoke the "plain error" standard on direct review of a district court's conduct of a § 2255 hearing, if the court of appeals found a sufficiently egregious error in the § 2255 proceeding itself that had not been brought to the attention of the district court.

Cornell University

Still, Arluck added: "If it's a really egregious error, as it sounds like this one was, it might make business sense to pay the interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for less formal tone, alternatives such as "a glaring mistake" or "a serious oversight" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "an egregious error" for minor or trivial mistakes. This phrase is reserved for errors with substantial impact, and using it inappropriately can diminish its effect and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an egregious error" functions as a noun phrase that serves to identify and characterize a significant mistake or fault. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and emphasizes that the error is remarkably bad or shocking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an egregious error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a notably bad or shocking mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "a glaring mistake" or "a serious oversight" exist, this phrase is particularly useful in formal settings to emphasize the severity and impact of the error. To use it effectively, reserve it for situations with significant consequences and avoid overusing it on minor issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glaring mistake

This alternative emphasizes the obvious and easily noticeable nature of the error.

a flagrant blunder

This phrase suggests a deliberate or openly obvious and shameful mistake.

a serious oversight

Focuses on the error as a result of failing to notice or consider something important.

a grave mistake

Highlights the significant and potentially damaging consequences of the error.

a monumental failure

This phrase emphasizes the large scale and impact of the error.

a colossal misjudgment

This highlights that the error stemmed from poor decision-making or assessment.

a terrible lapse in judgment

Focuses on the failure of someone's ability to make a sound decision.

a significant miscalculation

Highlights that the error came about due to an incorrect estimate or calculation.

a gross misrepresentation

Emphasizes the error as a distortion or false presentation of facts.

a critical flaw

This alternative focuses on the error as a fundamental weakness or defect.

FAQs

How can I use "an egregious error" in a sentence?

You can use "an egregious error" to describe a mistake or fault that is particularly shocking or bad. For example: "The company made "an egregious error" in its financial reporting."

What phrases are similar to "an egregious error"?

Similar phrases include "a glaring mistake", "a flagrant blunder", or "a grave mistake". Each emphasizes a different aspect of the error's severity or nature.

When is it appropriate to use "an egregious error"?

Use "an egregious error" when you want to emphasize the severity and unacceptable nature of a mistake. It's suitable for formal contexts where precision and impact are important.

Is "an egregious error" a formal expression?

Yes, "an egregious error" is a relatively formal expression. In more casual settings, you might opt for alternatives like "a big mistake" or "a major slip-up".