lapse that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lapse that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when or how this phrase could be used due to its lack of context and clarity. Example: "I need you to lapse that idea for now." (Note: This is not a standard usage.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should he apologize for this lapse that resulted in so many deaths, as his critics suggest?

The New York Times

Parks officials may never identify the bureaucratic lapse that led to the error.

The New York Times

Mr. Scarcella's underlying interrogation notes were missing, a lapse that shows up in other Scarcella cases.

The New York Times

This is a grievous lapse that is not in the country's interest.

The Economist

It was a lapse that continued to haunt Stuart Lancaster as his team grew stronger and stronger.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a lapse that became a symptom of his failure to project the power of the new Russian state.

The New York Times - Arts

I was furious at myself for having a mental lapse that put my friend in a shitty situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Against Lepchenko, she overcame a second-set lull, the type of energetic lapse that threatens her performances.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Pitt's decision not to disclose this critical piece of information was a behavioral and arguably an ethical lapse that should have been easy to avoid.

The New York Times

In the Red Storm's last game, it was a defensive lapse that led to a decisive dunk by Georgetown's Courtland Freeman with five-tenths of a second left.

The New York Times - Sports

A security lapse that might have been prevented can hurt companies, possibly leaving executives and boards legally liable and reducing stock values, Mr. Giuliani said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When possible, replace "lapse that" with more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "error which" or "oversight that" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Relying heavily on "lapse that" can make your writing sound vague. Instead, specify the type of lapse (e.g., security lapse, ethical lapse) and use a more descriptive relative clause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lapse that" functions as a relative clause introducing additional information about a noun. It usually modifies nouns referring to mistakes, failures, or oversights. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is not always grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lapse that" is frequently used, particularly in news and media, to describe failures or oversights. However, it is considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. For clearer and more precise writing, consider using alternatives such as "error which", "oversight that", or "failure which". Being specific about the type of "lapse" (e.g., "security lapse", "ethical lapse") and using more descriptive relative clauses can also enhance clarity. While the phrase is common, prioritizing grammatical correctness and clarity is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistake that

Directly points out an error.

oversight that

Highlights the act of neglecting something.

omission that

Draws attention to what was left out or not done.

error which

Focuses on the mistake made.

failure which

Emphasizes the lack of success or the breakdown.

shortcoming which

Highlights a weakness or flaw.

deficiency that

Underscores a lack or inadequacy.

incident where

Refers to a specific event.

situation which

Broadly references a state of affairs or a set of conditions.

circumstance that

Highlights the conditions surrounding the situation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "lapse that"?

You can use alternatives like "error which", "oversight that", or "failure which" depending on the context.

How can I make my writing clearer when referring to a lapse?

Specify the type of lapse, such as "security lapse", "ethical lapse", or "judgment lapse", and use a more descriptive relative clause to provide context.

Is "lapse that" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "lapse that" is not strictly grammatically correct. Using more precise phrases like "error which" or "omission that" can improve clarity.

What is the difference between "lapse that" and "error that"?

"Lapse that" refers to a temporary failure or deviation, while "error that" indicates a mistake. The choice depends on whether the situation involves a brief slip or a more significant mistake.