big mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"big mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a mistake that was made that had major implications or was particularly egregious. For example, "It was a big mistake to lend him money without getting anything in writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Big Mistake.

The Washington Post

Big mistake right there".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a big mistake".

The New York Times

Another big mistake.

The New York Times

Gray said: "Big mistake, big mistake, big mistake".

The Guardian

CSS was a big mistake.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Big mistakes.

The New Yorker

He made no big mistakes.

The New Yorker

It has, of course, made big mistakes.

The New York Times

We made three big mistakes.

The Guardian

Wilkinson made no big mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big mistake" to underscore the severity of an error or misjudgment, especially when emphasizing its consequences.

Common error

While "big mistake" is acceptable in many contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "significant error" or "grave misjudgment" in professional or academic writing for enhanced precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big mistake" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to identify and categorize a significant error or misjudgment. According to Ludwig, it's a usable phrase in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it being used to express regret, criticism, or recognition of a serious error.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big mistake" is a common expression used to denote a significant error or misjudgment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, although it may be more suited to neutral or informal settings than highly formal ones. Its primary function is to express disapproval or recognition of a serious error, with usage patterns indicating frequent occurrence in News & Media and Academia. When greater precision is needed, alternatives like "major error" or "grave misjudgment" might be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major error

Emphasizes the significance of the error, similar to "big mistake".

grave error

Indicates a serious and significant mistake with potentially severe consequences.

serious blunder

Highlights the clumsiness or lack of care in making the mistake.

critical error

Focuses on the impact of the mistake on a system or process.

costly mistake

Emphasizes the negative consequences, often financial, of the mistake.

huge oversight

Suggests that the mistake was due to a failure to notice or consider something important.

colossal failure

Emphasizes the magnitude and comprehensive nature of the failure.

terrible misjudgment

Focuses on the poor decision-making that led to the mistake.

bad decision

A general term indicating a poor choice or action that led to a negative outcome.

unfortunate error

Emphasizes the regrettable nature of the mistake and its negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "big mistake" to describe a significant error. For example, "Not investing in that company was a "big mistake" because its value increased rapidly afterwards."

What are some synonyms for "big mistake"?

Alternatives to "big mistake" include "major error", "grave error", or "serious blunder", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "big mistake" in formal writing?

While "big mistake" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "significant error" or "critical error".

What's the difference between "big mistake" and "small mistake"?

"Big mistake" implies a significant error with notable consequences, while "small mistake" refers to a minor error with little impact. The choice depends on the severity of the error you're describing.