grievous misconception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grievous misconception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or harmful misunderstanding about a particular topic or issue. Example: "The belief that vaccines cause autism is a grievous misconception that has led to public health risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a dangerous misconception.

The New York Times - Books

This is a dangerous misconception.

Forbes

Modern criticism labors under an aphoristic misconception or, rather, the misconception of an aphorism even more grievous than the fixation of mise en scène: a phrase by Martin Scorsese, "Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out".

The New Yorker

Modern criticism labors under an aphoristic misconception — or, rather, the misconception of an aphorism — even more grievous than the fixation of mise en scène: a phrase by Martin Scorsese, "Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out".

The New Yorker

None involved grievous violence.

The Economist

This a grievous blow.

The New Yorker

Some of them grievous.

The Guardian

The news is grievous.

The New York Times

And the grievous sore?

The New Yorker

THE misconception lingers.

The Economist

That was a misconception.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grievous misconception", provide clear evidence or reasoning to demonstrate why the belief is incorrect and the potential harm it can cause.

Common error

Avoid using "grievous misconception" in informal settings or when describing minor misunderstandings. The phrase carries a weight of seriousness and should be reserved for situations where the misconception has significant negative repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grievous misconception" functions as a noun phrase, with "grievous" acting as a modifier to the noun "misconception". It identifies a specific kind of misunderstanding: one that causes significant harm or suffering. Ludwig confirms this usage, indicating the phrase describes a harmful misunderstanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grievous misconception" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a misunderstanding that causes significant harm or suffering. Ludwig confirms that it is found in reliable sources. While relatively rare, its use is appropriate in formal and professional contexts, particularly in news and media, to emphasize the negative consequences of an incorrect belief. Alternatives like "serious misunderstanding" or "harmful delusion" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding when and how to use this phrase can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major misconception

Simply uses a different adjective of the same meaning.

severe misunderstanding

Simply uses a different adjective of the same meaning.

serious misunderstanding

Focuses on the severity of the misunderstanding.

grave error in judgment

Emphasizes the flawed decision-making process.

harmful delusion

Highlights the damaging effects of the false belief.

dangerous fallacy

Underscores the risk associated with the incorrect assumption.

profound misapprehension

Emphasizes the depth of the misunderstanding.

critical misinterpretation

Highlights the importance of the correct interpretation.

damaging misinterpretation

Emphasizes the negative impact of the incorrect interpretation.

blinding misbelief

Emphasizes the inability to see the truth.

FAQs

How can I use "grievous misconception" in a sentence?

You can use "grievous misconception" to describe a misunderstanding that leads to significant harm or negative consequences. For instance, "The belief that climate change is a hoax is a "grievous misconception" that hinders efforts to address environmental issues."

What's the difference between "serious misunderstanding" and "grievous misconception"?

"Grievous misconception" implies that the misunderstanding has caused or will cause significant suffering or damage, while "serious misunderstanding" simply indicates that the misunderstanding is important or consequential without necessarily implying a severe negative impact.

What can I say instead of "grievous misconception"?

You can use alternatives like "serious misunderstanding", "grave error in judgment", or "harmful delusion" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "grievous misconception" a formal phrase?

Yes, "grievous misconception" is a formal phrase due to its use of the word "grievous", which suggests serious harm or suffering. It's more appropriate for formal writing and speech, such as academic papers or professional presentations.