colossal error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colossal error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant mistake or blunder in various contexts, such as in discussions about decisions, judgments, or actions. Example: "The decision to ignore the warning signs was a colossal error that cost the company millions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

When I started the collection, I made a colossal error.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He made a colossal error in judgment that he recognizes.

The New York Times

This was a colossal error of judgment on Skidelsky's part.

The Guardian - Books

It was a colossal error, and many people said so at the time.

The New York Times

"It was a colossal error," Samuel Walker, who wrote a history of the A.C.L.U., said of the 1940 decisions.

The New York Times

I have written from the point of view of making what I thought was a colossal error: sex, I say, ruined my life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

What absolves Lewis of responsibility for these colossal errors in business judgment?

The New Yorker

The Americans, in Junger and Quested's estimation, made two colossal errors.

The New Yorker

Like other teenagers, Morris is both smart and clueless, equally capable of sharp insights and colossal errors of judgment.

The New York Times

It should send a message to the high rollers in banking that bonuses are unacceptable while ordinary people suffer the austerity forced on them by the colossal errors of the banking elite".

The Guardian - Business

We erred in intervening in a civil war, and then our military and civilian leaders made colossal errors for more than 15 years, errors resulting in defeat.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and tone. While "colossal error" is acceptable in formal writing, it might be too dramatic for casual conversation. Adjust your word choice accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "colossal error" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for truly significant mistakes to maintain its effectiveness. Otherwise, switch it up with "huge mistake" or "major blunder".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal error" functions as a noun phrase, where "colossal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "error". Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct. It is used to describe a mistake of considerable magnitude or significance, frequently in contexts involving judgment or decision-making.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Opinion

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "colossal error" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to denote a significant mistake. Ludwig confirms its correctness. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, signifying its acceptance in formal and professional communications. When employing this phrase, consider the weight it carries and reserve it for situations where the magnitude of the error truly warrants such emphasis. While alternatives like ""huge mistake"" or ""major blunder"" exist, "colossal error" offers a slightly more formal and impactful tone. The usage of "colossal error" is relatively uncommon, but Ludwig's analysis shows that its power derives from its descriptive precision in identifying consequential errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huge mistake

Replaces "colossal" with "huge", simplifying the descriptor while maintaining the severity of the error.

major blunder

Substitutes both words, offering a slightly less formal alternative with a similar impact.

serious mistake

Replaces "colossal" with "serious", emphasizing the gravity of the error without exaggeration.

grave error

Uses "grave" instead of "colossal" to highlight the severe consequences of the mistake.

terrible mistake

Emphasizes the negative impact of the mistake using "terrible".

significant error

Highlights the importance and impact of the error, rather than its size.

egregious mistake

Replaces both words with more formal and emphatic synonyms.

monumental mistake

Emphasizes the scale and lasting impact of the mistake.

fatal error

Highlights the potentially destructive consequences of the error.

critical error

Emphasizes the importance of the error in terms of its potential to cause problems.

FAQs

How can I use "colossal error" in a sentence?

You can use "colossal error" to describe a very significant mistake or blunder. For example: "Ignoring the warning signs was a "colossal error" that cost the company millions."

What can I say instead of "colossal error"?

You can use alternatives like ""huge mistake"", ""major blunder"", or "serious mistake" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "colossal error" or "colossal mistake"?

Both "colossal error" and "colossal mistake" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "colossal error" and "grave error"?

"Colossal error" emphasizes the size or scale of the mistake, while "grave error" emphasizes the serious or harmful consequences of the mistake. They are largely interchangeable, but subtle differences exist.