grave lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave lapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or significant mistake or error, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "The investigation revealed a grave lapse in judgment that led to the unfortunate incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

To every little Beltway thing there is a season: a time to heal (that was in Morris's "Behind the Oval Office: Winning the Presidency in the Nineties," in which the author offered "a public apology" to his wife, Clinton, Al Gore and White House staffers for "my grave lapse of moral standards" -- a scandal involving a prostitute) and a time to settle scores.

The New York Times - Books

We're as guilty as Sgt. Bergdahl in that his alleged desertion was perhaps a grave lapse of judgment.

Huffington Post

"Undoubtedly, at first impression, there appears to have been a grave lapse here," Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan acknowledged in an interview with Israel Radio.

Los Angeles Times

I think the failure to test chemicals under [TSCA] represents a grave lapse in stewardship," Landrigan charges.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Indeed, grave lapses by national regulators are among the main reasons European leaders have decided to put the European Central Bank in charge of bank regulation.

The New York Times

The case is once against casting "a harsh spotlight on seemingly grave lapses of corporate governance at a top-tier Japanese company".

The New York Times

And so began a boardroom battle that has now cost both men their jobs, wiped out over half the company's stock market value, and once against cast a harsh spotlight on seemingly grave lapses of corporate governance at a top-tier Japanese company.

The New York Times

In the few grave lapses in its long history, The Times had always taken the view that a renewal of trust would be won by a renewal of good editing rather than by what Keller has called "orgies of self-absorption".

The New York Times - Books

At the same time, physicians are as capable as anyone else of grave lapses in judgment.

Huffington Post

Doctors or staff members who respond "no" are guilty of a grave medical lapse.

The New York Times

If they didn't wash and then lie to you, they're also guilty of a grave ethical lapse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave lapse" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of a mistake, especially in formal or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "grave lapse" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler terms like "big mistake" or "serious error" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave lapse" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a serious or significant error. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and denotes a failure or mistake of considerable importance, suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave lapse" is a formal expression used to describe a serious error or significant failure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly in formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and business communications. While not a common phrase, "grave lapse" effectively conveys the severity and potential consequences of a mistake. Alternative phrases like "serious error" or "critical mistake" can be used in less formal situations. When using the phrase "grave lapse", ensure the context warrants its serious tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious error

This alternative is a more straightforward and common way of expressing a significant mistake.

critical mistake

This alternative emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the error.

major oversight

This alternative highlights the aspect of neglecting something important.

significant failing

This alternative focuses on the aspect of not meeting required standards or expectations.

grievous fault

This alternative emphasizes the severity and regret associated with the error.

severe transgression

This alternative implies a violation of rules or moral principles.

blunder of great magnitude

This alternative emphasizes the size and impact of the mistake.

egregious dereliction

This alternative highlights a shameful neglect of duty or responsibility.

profound misjudgment

This alternative centers on the quality of the assessment that resulted in the error.

colossal indiscretion

This alternative denotes a lack of good judgment that carries significant consequences.

FAQs

What does "grave lapse" mean?

"Grave lapse" refers to a serious or significant mistake or error, often one with important consequences. It suggests a failure in judgment or a deviation from expected standards.

How to use "grave lapse" in a sentence?

You can use "grave lapse" to describe situations where a serious error has occurred. For example, "The investigation revealed a "grave lapse" in security protocols."

What can I say instead of "grave lapse"?

You can use alternatives like "serious error", "critical mistake", or "major oversight" depending on the context.

Is "grave lapse" formal or informal?

"Grave lapse" is considered a formal expression. It's more suitable for official reports, serious discussions, or formal writing than for casual conversations.