main mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most significant error in a particular context or situation. Example: "The main mistake in your analysis was overlooking the key data points that influenced the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The NGOs' main mistake, however, was to raise poor countries' expectations implausibly high.

The Economist

Our main mistake was acting too late to reform the Communist Party.

The New York Times

Her main mistake is to make "narcissistic" sound like an accusation.

The Guardian

But getting the forecast wrong was not the government's main mistake.

The Guardian - Opinion

The main mistake, in retrospect, may have been that he invested so much of himself in that particular poll.

The Economist

ONE might say of Edith Cresson that her main mistake lay in coming to Brussels in the first place.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He admits four main mistakes: one presentational and three strategic.

The Guardian

What are the main mistakes a manager can make in a cross-cultural environment?

The New York Times

One of the main mistakes people make is assuming that the poor aren't working.

The New York Times

Fourth, ISIS can exploit al Qaeda's work of spreading the jihadi ideology throughout the world and can also avoid reiterating al Qaeda's main mistakes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Talabani went on, "One of the main mistakes the Americans have made in fighting terrorism is tying our hands and the hands of the Shiites, while at the same time the terrorists are free to do what they want.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main mistake", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the other, less significant, mistakes are. This provides a clearer understanding of the relative importance of the 'main' one.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of the "main mistake". Accurately assess its impact relative to other contributing factors to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main mistake" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most significant error within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, as evidenced by its presence in numerous news articles, academic papers and general usage examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main mistake" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for identifying the most significant error in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence across various reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad applicability. While alternatives such as "key error" or "primary blunder" exist, "main mistake" serves as a versatile and readily understood term for highlighting critical failures. Therefore, using it appropriately means ensuring the context clearly highlights why that specific mistake is the most impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key error

Focuses on the error being central or essential.

principal error

Emphasizes the error's prominence or importance.

primary blunder

Uses a more informal word ("blunder") to describe the error and gives a different sense of the situation.

chief oversight

Highlights the aspect of neglect or failure to notice something important.

major failing

Emphasizes the shortcoming or defect in something.

biggest flaw

Points out the most significant imperfection or defect.

central fault

Indicates that the fault is at the core of the issue.

critical misstep

Emphasizes the importance of the step taken wrongly.

most significant error

Uses more formal language to describe the error.

prime failing

Highlights the failure being of top importance or rank.

FAQs

How can I use "main mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "main mistake" to point out the most significant error in a series of events or decisions. For example, "The team's "main mistake" was underestimating the competition".

What can I say instead of "main mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "key error", "principal error", or "primary blunder" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "major mistake" instead of "main mistake"?

Yes, "major mistake" is a valid synonym for ""main mistake"". Both phrases are used to indicate a significant error, and their interchangeability depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "main mistake" and "biggest flaw"?

"Main mistake" refers to the most significant error in a sequence of actions or decisions, while "biggest flaw" points to the most prominent imperfection or defect in something. The phrases are similar but not always interchangeable.