correct a blunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "correct a blunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of fixing or rectifying a mistake or error. Example: "After realizing the mistake in the report, I had to correct a blunder before submitting it to my supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Downing Street insisted the system was virtually back to normal after engineers worked round the clock all week to correct a blunder that left screens blank and forced staff to write some giros by hand.

The Guardian - Tech

Abroad, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's move to Milan was another attempt to correct a blunder, by Barcelona, who bought more scientifically this time, with David Villa and Liverpool's Javier Mascherano, while José Mourinho displayed a new taste for creativity when enticing Mesut Ozil to Real Madrid.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This mailing was a complete waste of taxpayer money and now, to correct this blunder, they need to waste even more taxpayer money".

The New York Times

I don't dispute Greenwald's thesis as far as it goes, but there is another important way to look at the situation, which is that appearing to commit the United States government to the project of overthrowing the Syrian government was a poorly-thought through and deeply immoral strategic blunder in the first place, and now we have a strategic opportunity to correct that historic blunder.

Huffington Post

Acting quickly to correct Silverman's blunder, Gaspin and NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker devised a strategy that they hoped would keep both Leno and O'Brien in the NBC family.

Huffington Post

I feel as if there must be something more that I could do to correct this terrible blunder.

The New York Times

With the stakes much higher this autumn and next year, Democrats are urging the White House to correct these blunders.

The New York Times

Not more than a few hours later, I received a message from Mr. Ray, correcting my blunder and noting that it was his brother's obituary that I found.

Huffington Post

Anyone who regularly watched Fox News, listened to AM talk radio or read the hot-house conservative media for the last four years must have been convinced that Obama's 2008 victory was a massive mistake and that it was only a matter of time before voters corrected their blunder.

Huffington Post

When out of danger, he chose to undergo painful surgery to correct blunders made when the bone was first set.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many thought that the Supreme Court's installation of George W. Bush as president was a blunder American voters would correct in the election of 2004.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "correct a blunder", ensure that the context clearly identifies the specific mistake being addressed. Provide enough detail so the correction is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "correct a blunder" when referring to minor errors. Reserve it for situations where the mistake had significant consequences or implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "correct a blunder" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of fixing a significant mistake. It typically involves identifying the error and taking steps to rectify it. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "correct a blunder" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of fixing a significant mistake or error. Ludwig confirms that the expression is correct. While not overly common, it's found in reputable sources, primarily in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "rectify a mistake" and "fix an error". When using this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what error is being addressed and that the error is significant enough to warrant the term "blunder".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rectify a mistake

Emphasizes fixing an error or oversight.

fix an error

Focuses on the action of correcting an inaccuracy.

remedy an oversight

Highlights the correction of something that was missed.

amend a mistake

Suggests making improvements to a flawed situation.

resolve a fault

Focuses on finding a solution to a defect.

repair an error

Emphasizes restoring something to its correct state.

right a wrong

Suggests correcting an injustice or unfairness.

undo a misstep

Highlights reversing a mistake or wrong action.

mitigate a failure

Emphasizes reducing the negative impact of a failure.

set right an error

Focuses on making something correct after a mistake.

FAQs

What does "correct a blunder" mean?

The phrase "correct a blunder" means to fix a significant mistake or error, often one that has had negative consequences. It implies not just fixing the error but also mitigating any resulting damage.

How can I use "correct a blunder" in a sentence?

You can use "correct a blunder" when describing actions taken to fix a major mistake. For example: "The company took immediate steps to "rectify the error" and "correct the blunder" after the accounting mistake was discovered."

What are some alternatives to "correct a blunder"?

Alternatives include "rectify a mistake", "fix an error", or "remedy an oversight". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "correct a blunder" formal or informal?

The phrase "correct a blunder" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While it can be used in professional contexts, it might be too strong for very casual settings. Consider the audience and the severity of the error when choosing this phrase.