enormous mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enormous mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant error or blunder in various contexts, such as personal decisions, business choices, or any situation where a serious mistake has been made. Example: "Not double-checking the report before submission was an enormous mistake that cost the company a lot of time and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was an enormous mistake.

The New York Times

It's an enormous mistake.

The New York Times

Above all, the war on Iraq was an enormous mistake.

The Guardian

He has made one enormous mistake in his life.

The New York Times

Contador called the anthem error "an enormous mistake".

The New York Times - Sports

For the president to be silent I thought was an enormous mistake.

The New York Times

In an interview with People magazine, she said: "I made an enormous mistake – clearly and obviously.

Independent

While Katie felt like she had made an enormous mistake, she learned from it.

Harvard Business Review

"Mr Cameron, you're making an enormous mistake, and it's a legacy mistake.

The Guardian

America is enormous, he liked to say, but it is an enormous mistake.

The New York Times - Magazine

And he steadfastly refused to acknowledge that the decision to invade Iraq was an enormous mistake.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enormous mistake", consider the context and the specific aspect of the error you want to emphasize. Choose synonyms like "grave error" or "colossal misjudgment" for nuanced impact.

Common error

Avoid using "enormous mistake" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "big mistake" or "huge error" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enormous mistake" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to describe an error of significant magnitude. As seen in Ludwig, it typically serves as the object of a verb or follows a linking verb, highlighting the severity or impact of the mistake.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enormous mistake" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant error, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase to convey disapproval or regret, typically used in neutral to formal contexts like news and business, with alternatives such as "grave error" or "colossal misjudgment" offering nuanced shades of meaning. When writing, be mindful to consider your audience and purpose by choosing simpler language in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave error

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the mistake.

serious blunder

Highlights the clumsiness or lack of care that led to the mistake.

colossal misjudgment

Focuses on the flawed decision-making process behind the mistake.

terrible error

Expresses the negative impact and regret associated with the mistake.

major failing

Indicates a significant deficiency or shortcoming.

significant oversight

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

critical flaw

Emphasizes the fundamental weakness or defect that caused the mistake.

huge miscalculation

Points to an error in assessing or predicting something.

monumental lapse

Conveys a sense of scale and the far-reaching effects of the mistake.

grievous fault

Highlights the severity and the harm caused by the mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "enormous mistake" to describe a significant error, such as "The decision to launch the product without proper testing was an enormous mistake".

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

"Enormous mistake" suggests a more substantial and impactful error than "big mistake", implying greater consequences or significance.

Which is correct, "enormous mistake" or "huge mistake"?

Both "enormous mistake" and "huge mistake" are correct and can be used interchangeably, although "enormous" may suggest a slightly greater scale or impact.

What can I say instead of "enormous mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "grave error", "serious blunder", or "colossal misjudgment" depending on the context.