grave error

USAGE SUMMARY

"grave error" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a serious or significant mistake or misjudgment. This phrase is often used in formal or professional contexts. Example: The CEO's decision to invest all the company's funds into a failing project was a grave error that ultimately led to its downfall.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a grave error.

Forbes

"You've made a grave error.

The New Yorker

This was a tragic and grave error.

The Guardian

This was a grave error of judgment.

The Washington Post

This could prove a grave error.

The New York Times

"It's a grave error," not to tell them, Weiss said.

The New York Times - Sports

But the opposition has also made a grave error.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This was a grave error of judgment," he said.

The Guardian

The kitchen was also capable of grave error.

The New York Times

So is the NHS making a grave error in supporting this ancient treatment?

The Guardian

The socialist regional leader in Andalucia, José Antonio Griñán, called the change "a grave error".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave error" to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of a mistake, particularly in formal or professional contexts. This phrase adds weight to your critique and underscores the importance of avoiding similar errors in the future.

Common error

Avoid using "grave error" in casual conversation or informal writing. The formality of the phrase can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in less serious settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "big mistake" or "serious error" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a specific mistake as significant and consequential. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave error" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a significant and consequential mistake. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and particularly fitting for formal and professional contexts, such as news reporting and business communications. While alternatives like "serious mistake" or "critical error" exist, "grave error" uniquely emphasizes the severity of the misjudgment. Be mindful of the formal tone and avoid overuse in casual settings. The frequent use of "grave error" in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriateness in conveying serious errors. The linguistic analysis highlights its function in emphasizing negative consequences, solidifying its role in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical error

Replaces "grave" with "critical", highlighting the potential for severe consequences.

serious mistake

Replaces "grave" with "serious", reducing the intensity of the error.

egregious fault

Uses a more formal and intensified term for "error".

monumental error

Amplifies the scale and impact of the mistake.

major blunder

Substitutes both words with synonyms that imply clumsiness or carelessness.

severe lapse

Indicates a temporary failure in judgment or behavior.

costly mistake

Emphasizes the expense or damage resulting from the error.

significant oversight

Focuses on the neglect aspect, suggesting something important was missed.

terrible miscalculation

Highlights the aspect of incorrect planning or estimation.

major failing

Shifts focus to a deficiency or lack of required quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave error" to describe a significant mistake, as in, "The company's failure to conduct due diligence was a "grave error" that led to substantial financial losses."

What are some alternatives to "grave error"?

Alternatives include "serious mistake", "major blunder", or "critical error", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "grave error"?

"Grave error" is appropriate in formal and professional contexts where you need to emphasize the seriousness of a mistake or misjudgment. It's commonly used in news reporting, business reports, and academic writing.

Is "grave error" a commonly used phrase?

Yes, "grave error" is a commonly used phrase, particularly in formal writing and speech. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, it adds significant emphasis when describing a serious mistake.