great error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant mistake or fault in a particular context, such as in discussions about decisions, calculations, or judgments. Example: "The team realized that their decision to overlook the data was a great error that could cost them the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

That would be a great error.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has been our great error.

The New York Times

The great error that dictatorships make is underestimating democracies.

The New York Times

"I think the cuts are a great, great error.

Independent

It would be a great error for a new British government to get into this position".

The Guardian

"Politically it would be a great error for them to act.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Hu formally acknowledged that the party had committed great errors and ordered significant reforms.

The Guardian

The equations neglecting or underestimating the effect of σ on T d, σ, φ), however, cause great errors.

Polymer

Is that the greatest "error of [Obama's] political career"?

The New Yorker

His greatest error, to my mind, has been how he has adapted to fame.

The Guardian - Music

The greatest error was observed for L = 30 and α = 10−7.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great error" to emphasize the significance of a mistake, particularly when discussing decisions, judgments, or calculations that have considerable consequences.

Common error

While appropriate in certain situations, avoid using "great error" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact. Opt for simpler alternatives like "significant mistake" or "major blunder" when the situation doesn't warrant such strong emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great error" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "great" modifies the noun "error". It identifies a significant mistake or fault. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts ranging from politics to personal choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great error" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English for emphasizing the severity of a misjudgment. Its usage spans across various domains, most frequently in News & Media and scientific contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. While "great error" is impactful, overuse should be avoided to preserve its emphasis. Consider using alternatives like "significant mistake" or "major blunder" for less critical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant mistake

Replaces "great error" with more common synonyms emphasizing the importance of the mistake.

major blunder

Suggests a careless or stupid mistake, similar in impact to a "great error".

serious fault

Emphasizes the severity of the error as a flaw or failing.

grave misjudgment

Highlights the poor decision-making aspect of the error, adding a sense of consequence.

critical mistake

Focuses on the error being crucial and potentially damaging.

substantial oversight

Indicates a failure to notice or consider something important, leading to a significant error.

grievous fault

Implies a serious and regrettable mistake, often with ethical or moral implications.

terrible mistake

Uses a more emotive adjective to emphasize the negativity and impact of the error.

massive oversight

Highlights the scale and scope of the missed detail or consideration that resulted in the error.

colossal blunder

Emphasizes the extreme scale and foolishness of the mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "great error" to describe a significant mistake or fault. For example, "The decision to ignore the warning signs proved to be a "great error"."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "great error"?

Alternatives to "great error" include "significant mistake", "major blunder", or "serious fault".

Is it more appropriate to say "great error" or "big mistake"?

"Great error" is generally more formal and emphasizes the significance of the mistake. "Big mistake" is more informal. Choose the phrase that best suits the tone of your writing.

When is it best to use "great error" instead of "mistake"?

Use "great error" when you want to highlight the severe consequences or implications of the mistake. It adds more weight and seriousness compared to the more general term "mistake".