lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a temporary failure or a brief period of inattention or forgetfulness. Example: "There was a lapse in judgment when he decided to invest in that failing company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

#eurovision pic.twitter.com/Vfm3ADz1TJ Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.17pm AEST13 17 The Danish fairy who won last year is back showing Molly how to do hippy fairy properly – although there has been a strange moment where the lip sync appeared to lapse into actual singing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The longest lapse between each song is 13 seconds.

The Guardian - Music

Another victim who suffered a similar memory lapse was repeatedly scorched with a cigarette lighter.

The Guardian

Khan is a lopsided favourite – the oddsmakers have made Algieri an 8-1 underdog – but cannot afford a lapse when so tantalisingly close to boxing's topmost tier.

The Guardian - Sport

When Arnaud Lagardère, one of France's most important press barons and aerospace bosses – and a man who calls himself a "brother" to the president – appeared in a kitsch video declaring his undying love for a Belgian swimwear model less than half his age and a foot taller, it wasn't just seen as a lapse of taste.

The Guardian

Arizona Republican John McCain, when asked if the USA Freedom Act was better than a lapse, said: "There are some programs that are affected by 'Freedom USA' that I would be very concerned about shutting down".

The Guardian

Obama on Friday chastised what he said were "a handful of Senators" standing in the way of passing the USA Freedom Act, who he alleged risked creating an intelligence lapse.

The Guardian

Pointing to the legislation's overwhelming passage in the House, Earnest added it was the "only path" for the Senate to prevent a lapse in the authorities granted by the Patriot Act that would in turn pose a risk to national security.

The Guardian

As dumbfounding as this complete lapse of pragmatism seems in hindsight, it sounded like the perfectly appropriate decision at the time.

The Guardian - Sport

"The point is, the hard work on this has been done," he added, while warning about the possible lapse in the Patriot Act on 1 June.

The Guardian

If the House took up a short-term extension immediately upon their return, aides said, any lapse at midnight would have little real-world impact.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lapse", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a temporary failure, a decline in standards, or an interval of time. This will prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lapse" when referring to permanent or long-lasting failures; instead, opt for words like "collapse" or "breakdown" to accurately reflect the severity and duration.

Linguistic Context

The term "lapse" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a temporary failure or interval. As a verb, it signifies ceasing or falling into a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

23%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lapse" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting a temporary failure, decline, or interval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news and formal business settings. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "slip" or "error" depending on the specific nuance. Avoid using "lapse" when referring to permanent failures. The frequency analysis indicates it's a very common term, particularly in news and media. Therefore, understanding its various applications is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary failure

Focuses on the aspect of the phrase being a brief and non-permanent failure.

brief decline

Highlights the short-term aspect of a fall in standards or quality.

momentary slip

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of a mistake or error.

temporary pause

Underscores the interruption or cessation aspect of the original phrase.

short interruption

Highlights the brief disruption of continuity.

passing error

Conveys the idea of a mistake that is not significant or long-lasting.

brief intermission

Suggests a short break or pause in an activity or process.

temporary cessation

Highlights the temporary ending or stopping of something.

fleeting oversight

Emphasizes the momentary nature of a failure to notice something.

minor transgression

Focuses on a small deviation from what is right or acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "lapse" in a sentence?

You can use "lapse" to refer to a temporary failure, a decline in standards, or an interval of time. For example, "There was a "lapse" in security, allowing unauthorized access" or "A "lapse" of concentration caused the accident".

What are some alternatives to the word "lapse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slip", "error", "hiatus", "omission", or "interval". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "lapse" and "relapse"?

"Lapse" generally refers to a temporary failure or decline, while "relapse" specifically refers to a return to a former condition, often a negative one like an illness or addiction. A "lapse" is more general, whereas a "relapse" implies a previous state that has been reverted to.

Is it correct to say "a memory lapse" or "a memory relapse"?

It is correct to say "a memory "lapse"". This refers to a temporary failure of memory. "Memory "relapse"" is not a standard or commonly used phrase.