cardinal sin

USAGE SUMMARY

"cardinal sin" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to a major sin or moral offense that is considered to be of utmost importance. For example, "Cheating on an exam is a cardinal sin in most educational institutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O'Brien's cardinal sin was obvious.

The Guardian

This was the cardinal sin.

The Guardian

For Peaches, lying is a cardinal sin.

The Guardian - Music

To Tolstoy, this was a cardinal sin.

The New Yorker

Let us begin with a cardinal sin.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's pretty much the cardinal sin.

The Guardian

Excess was not a cardinal sin.

The New York Times - Style

To forget that was a cardinal sin.

The Guardian - Opinion

Drinking and driving is like a cardinal sin".

The New York Times - Sports

This is the cardinal sin of food photography.

Independent

In his excitement, Mr. Holmes committed the "cardinal sin".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cardinal sin" when you want to emphasize the extreme severity of an error or transgression. It's particularly effective in contexts where moral or ethical standards are central.

Common error

Avoid using "cardinal sin" for minor mistakes or disagreements. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cardinal sin" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a particularly egregious transgression or a fundamental mistake that is considered unforgivable in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cardinal sin" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression used to denote a serious transgression or fundamental error. As evidenced by the numerous examples found by Ludwig, this phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts where ethical breaches and significant mistakes are often discussed. While Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is perfectly correct and usable, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "unforgivable transgression" or "major failing" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Overusing "cardinal sin" can weaken its force, so consider the tone and audience of your writing when deciding whether to employ this powerful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforgivable transgression

Emphasizes the act of crossing a moral boundary that cannot be excused.

major failing

Highlights a significant deficiency or shortcoming.

grave error

Focuses on the seriousness and potential consequences of the mistake.

fundamental flaw

Draws attention to an inherent weakness or defect.

fatal mistake

Indicates a mistake that leads to significant negative outcomes.

worst offense

Highlights the severity of the transgression in comparison to other potential misdeeds.

primary violation

Focuses on the act of breaching a core rule or principle.

chief wrongdoing

Stresses the importance of the misconduct.

ultimate betrayal

Highlights the act of violating trust or loyalty in a significant manner.

greatest vice

Emphasizes a particularly prominent and detrimental character flaw.

FAQs

How can I use "cardinal sin" in a sentence?

You can use "cardinal sin" to describe a serious mistake or offense, such as "In project management, missing the deadline is a "cardinal sin"".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "cardinal sin"?

If "cardinal sin" feels too strong, consider alternatives such as "major failing", "grave error", or "serious mistake" depending on the context.

Is "cardinal sin" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "cardinal sin" can be appropriate for formal writing when used to describe a significant ethical or moral breach. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What is the difference between "cardinal sin" and "venial sin"?

"Cardinal sin" refers to a grave offense, while "venial sin" describes a less serious wrong. The distinction lies in the severity and impact of the transgression.