gross error

USAGE SUMMARY

"gross error" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any kind of mistake that has significant or serious consequences. For example: "The accountant made a gross error in the company's financial report, resulting in serious losses for the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He called Dr. Raveché's salary a "gross error".

The New York Times

"We made a really gross error of judgement," he said.

Independent

This assumption was, in their opinion, a gross error.

Encyclopedia Britannica

ANDDR enables gross error detection (GED) as well.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

"There is still time to correct what would be such a gross error".

The New York Times

It is a gross error of judgment and must be reversed".

The Guardian

Yet they believed that this gross error would be put right.

Independent

Gross error identification is made through the Largest Normalized Error Test property.

Electric Power Systems Research

Gross error correction is made considering the phase composed normalized error (CNE).

Electric Power Systems Research

Thus, simultaneous data reconciliation and gross error detection (DRGED) for dynamic systems are fundamental and important.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

But it is a gross error to equate the importance of the memorial with its square footage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gross error", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the significant impact or severity of the mistake. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the consequences of the error.

Common error

Avoid using "gross error" to describe trivial mistakes. This phrase carries a strong connotation of significance, and using it in minor situations can diminish its impact and appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross error" functions as a noun phrase where "gross" modifies the noun "error". It describes a mistake that is conspicuously unacceptable and significant in its impact. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross error" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant and unacceptable mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate to emphasize the severity or impact of an error. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, be mindful of its weight and avoid using it for trivial mistakes. Consider related phrases such as "flagrant error" or "egregious error" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flagrant error

Highlights the conspicuous and obvious nature of the mistake.

egregious error

Emphasizes the shocking or outstandingly bad quality of the mistake.

serious error

Underscores the gravity and potential consequences of the mistake.

substantial error

Indicates the significant size or impact of the mistake.

major blunder

Implies a careless or foolish mistake with considerable repercussions.

grave mistake

Suggests a severe error with potentially dire outcomes.

critical mistake

Highlights that the mistake has important consequences on a specific outcome.

terrible misjudgment

Focuses on the poor decision-making that led to the error.

significant oversight

Emphasizes the failure to notice or consider something important.

palpable inaccuracy

Indicates an error so obvious it can easily be perceived.

FAQs

How to use "gross error" in a sentence?

Use "gross error" to describe a significant mistake that has major consequences. For example, "The miscalculation was a "gross error" that cost the company millions".

What can I say instead of "gross error"?

You can use alternatives like "flagrant error", "egregious error", or "serious error" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gross error" or "grave error"?

Both ""gross error"" and "grave error" are correct, but "grave error" often implies more severe or even fatal consequences than "gross error".

What's the difference between "gross error" and "mistake"?

"Mistake" is a general term for an error. "Gross error" implies a significant and often unacceptable level of error, often with serious repercussions.