gross fallacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross fallacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious error in reasoning or belief. Example: "The argument presented in the debate was based on a gross fallacy that undermined its credibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a gross fallacy, which unfortunately has taken root, that the human indexer has been made redundant by the search engine.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a gross fallacy to imagine that there were ever hermetically sealed traditions that correspond to a writer's racial or ethnic or sexual or national identity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Introducing his own interpretation, he says, "No one has yet proposed a reading of the dialogue as a consecutive demonstration which does not turn it into an improbable medley of gross fallacies and logical subtleties" (1990: 193).

SEP

This is a complete fallacy.

The New Yorker

As much as the history of science is a history of enlightenment and discovery, it is also a history of gross generalizations, blunders, prejudices and fallacies that are eventually proven wrong.

Huffington Post

"Outright fallacy.

The New York Times

That's another fallacy.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a fallacy.

The New York Times

That was a fallacy.

The New York Times

That's a fallacy.

The Guardian

See also naturalistic fallacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gross fallacy" to emphasize a particularly egregious or obvious error in reasoning. Ensure the context clearly indicates that the fallacy is not just incorrect but also significantly flawed.

Common error

Avoid using "gross fallacy" when a simpler term like "mistake" or "misunderstanding" would suffice. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact, reserve "gross fallacy" for situations where the error is truly substantial and detrimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross fallacy" functions as a noun phrase where "gross" modifies "fallacy". It acts as a descriptor, indicating a significant error in reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gross fallacy" is used to describe a significant error in reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and emphasizes a substantial flaw in logic. While not frequently used, it appears in news media, scientific discussions, and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives include "egregious misconception" and "palpable falsehood". When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a severe error, as overusing it can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

egregious misconception

Replaces "fallacy" with "misconception" and "gross" with "egregious", emphasizing the severity of the misunderstanding.

palpable falsehood

Substitutes "fallacy" with "falsehood" and "gross" with "palpable", highlighting the obvious nature of the untruth.

major delusion

Replaces "fallacy" with "delusion", suggesting a deeply ingrained and unrealistic belief, and "gross" with "major", stressing the extent.

serious misjudgment

Replaces "fallacy" with "misjudgment", focusing on the error in decision-making or assessment, and "gross" with "serious", specifying the importance.

fundamental error

Substitutes "gross fallacy" with "fundamental error", pinpointing a basic and critical mistake.

significant misconception

Replaces "gross" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the misconception without necessarily implying severity.

blatant untruth

Replaces "fallacy" with "untruth" and "gross" with "blatant", stressing the obvious and shameless nature of the lie.

complete misunderstanding

Replaces "gross fallacy" with "complete misunderstanding", emphasizing the thoroughness of the lack of comprehension.

evident logical error

Substitutes "gross fallacy" with "evident logical error", focusing on the flaw in reasoning that is easily noticeable.

grave misapprehension

Replaces "fallacy" with "misapprehension" and "gross" with "grave", emphasizing the seriousness and consequence of the misunderstanding.

FAQs

How can I use "gross fallacy" in a sentence?

You can use "gross fallacy" to describe a severe error in reasoning or a significant misunderstanding. For instance: "The politician's argument was based on a "gross fallacy" about the economy."

What are some alternatives to "gross fallacy"?

Alternatives include "egregious misconception", "palpable falsehood", or "major delusion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gross fallacy" a formal or informal term?

"Gross fallacy" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in analytical or critical discussions. Its impact lies in emphasizing the magnitude of the error.

What makes a fallacy "gross"?

A "gross" fallacy implies that the error is not only incorrect but also glaringly obvious or significantly impactful. It suggests a fundamental flaw in the reasoning process.