gravest error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gravest error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very serious mistake or misjudgment in a particular context. Example: "The decision to ignore the warning signs was the gravest error the team could have made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The gravest error, perhaps, was underestimating the risk of tsunamis.

The New Yorker

American intelligence officials have privately described this strategy as the "gravest error of the war".

The Guardian

The gravest error being committed here is the pretence that the breach is somehow not as bad as it looks.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then, of course, there is that Sun editorial, which is headlined "We are sorry for our gravest error".

The Guardian

He has been found guilty of the gravest error for a man who campaigned on a platform of change: conducting business as usual.

The New York Times

He was overwhelmed and wrote to Proust, apologising for the rejection, calling it "the gravest error" and "one of the most burning regrets, remorses, of my life".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The failure to seize that moment was one of the Obama administration's gravest errors.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gravest error", ensure the context clearly establishes the magnitude of the mistake. Provide specific details about the consequences or impact to justify the use of such a strong term.

Common error

Avoid using "gravest error" for minor mistakes or trivial issues. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can make your writing seem hyperbolic or insincere. Reserve it for situations with truly severe consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gravest error" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "gravest" modifies the noun "error". It serves to emphasize the extreme seriousness or severity of a mistake. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gravest error" is used to describe a mistake of the utmost seriousness, carrying significant negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts like news reporting and academic analysis. While alternatives such as "most serious mistake" and "biggest blunder" exist, "gravest error" provides a particularly strong emphasis on the severity of the mistake. It is important to reserve this phrase for situations where the consequences are truly dire, avoiding its overuse in less critical scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most serious mistake

Replaces "gravest" with "most serious", offering a slightly less formal tone.

greatest mistake

Emphasizes the magnitude of the mistake using "greatest".

most significant error

Highlights the importance of the error using "significant".

worst misjudgment

Replaces "error" with "misjudgment", emphasizing a lapse in decision-making.

severe blunder

Replaces "gravest" with "severe", making it less emphatic.

biggest blunder

Uses "blunder" instead of "error", implying a more careless or foolish mistake.

supreme mistake

Emphasizes a top tier mistake.

most critical failing

Substitutes "error" with "failing", suggesting a deficiency or inadequacy.

catastrophic mistake

Emphasizes the disastrous consequences of the mistake.

ultimate failure

Indicates a complete lack of success as a result of the error.

FAQs

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

Use "gravest error" to describe a mistake with serious and far-reaching consequences. For example, "Underestimating the market demand proved to be the company's "gravest error"".

What can I say instead of "gravest error"?

You can use alternatives like "most serious mistake", "biggest blunder", or "worst misjudgment" depending on the context.

Is "gravest error" formal or informal?

"Gravest error" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional writing, news reporting, and academic contexts. Less formal alternatives exist for casual communication.

What makes an error the "gravest error"?

An error qualifies as the ""gravest error"" when it leads to the most significant and detrimental outcomes compared to other errors made in the same situation. It implies a mistake with severe and lasting repercussions.