flaw of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flaw of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a mistake, error, or imperfection in something. Example: The flaw of the plan was that it did not take into account the potential economic impact on small businesses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was a major flaw of leadership.

The Guardian

This isn't a fundamental flaw of the flash mob.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also points up the flaw of the collection.

The New York Times - Books

Herein lies the fatal flaw of this transformational vision.

The New York Times

Therein lay the flaw, and the flaw of life itself.

The New Yorker

And this is the principal flaw of 12 Songs.

The Guardian - Music

To many worried about climate change, that is a common flaw of such reports.

The New York Times - Science

This, to be blunt, is the tragic flaw of the modern liberal.

The New York Times - Magazine

"A flaw of all journalism is that someone else is telling your story," he said.

The New York Times

It is, as everybody knows, the unarguable flaw of modern tours.

Independent

This feeds into probably the book's biggest flaw of all: its neglect of McCartney's talent.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flaw of", ensure you clearly identify the specific subject or system to which the flaw pertains to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the flaw of the system", specify "the flaw of the healthcare system".

Common error

Avoid using "flaw of" without providing specific details about the nature of the flaw. General statements like "the flaw of the project" are less informative than "the main flaw of the project was poor planning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flaw of" functions as a noun modifier, specifically used to identify and describe a particular defect or imperfection inherent in something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flaw of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for identifying imperfections in various contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it functions as a noun modifier, commonly appearing in news and scientific publications. While the phrase is versatile, remember to specify the subject with the "flaw of" to avoid ambiguity. Considering that Ludwig found so many examples, remember to check writing for overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defect in

Focuses on a specific imperfection or fault within something.

shortcoming of

Emphasizes a deficiency or inadequacy in a particular aspect.

weakness of

Highlights an area of vulnerability or lack of strength.

imperfection in

Stresses the lack of flawlessness or completeness.

failing of

Points out a specific instance of failure or inadequacy.

deficiency in

Underscores a lack or shortage of something essential.

drawback of

Highlights a disadvantage or negative aspect.

limitation of

Emphasizes the restricted scope or capability.

problem with

Indicates an issue or difficulty encountered.

downside of

Highlights a negative consequence or disadvantage.

FAQs

How can I use "flaw of" in a sentence?

Use "flaw of" to point out a specific weakness or imperfection in something. For example, "The biggest "flaw of" the design is its lack of durability".

What are some alternatives to using "flaw of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "defect in", "shortcoming of", or "weakness of".

Is there a difference between "flaw of" and "defect of"?

While similar, "flaw of" generally refers to a less severe imperfection than "defect of". A "defect of" suggests a more significant problem that impairs functionality.

What kind of words or context goes well with the expression "flaw of"?

The expression "flaw of" is often used with terms related to design, plans, systems, or theories. You might encounter it when discussing the "flaw of" a business plan, a scientific experiment, or a political strategy.