major accident

USAGE SUMMARY

"major accident" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence like this: "The police closed off the highway after a major accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Major accident.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Relieved passengers praised the pilot for managing to avert a major accident.

Independent

He is the second BP chief executive to leave after a major accident.

The New York Times

This was the second major accident involving an AC72 in the last seven months.

The New York Times - Sports

The fatality was the second major accident in Manhattan on Friday afternoon.

The New York Times

But after a period of time when there's no major accident, human nature does creep in".

The Guardian

The crash was the first major accident for Singapore Airlines in 28 years of operation.

The New York Times

The man who will oversee the delicate operation played down fears of a major accident.

The Guardian

In Owings Mills, Md., yesterday morning, T. Rowe Price prepared for a major accident.

The New York Times

M. Barker: First signs of horrid reaction after undergoing major accident?

The Guardian

In the wake of a natural disaster or a major accident, there is an inevitable rush to dredge up parallels.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on accidents, use "major accident" to convey the severity and potential impact of the event. Be specific about the type of accident (e.g., "major car accident", "major industrial accident") to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "major accident" to describe minor incidents or fender-benders. This can create unnecessary alarm and misrepresent the actual severity of the situation. Reserve the term for events with significant consequences, injuries, or damage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major accident" functions as a noun phrase, where "major" modifies the noun "accident". It identifies an accident of considerable significance or severity. Ludwig examples show its use in describing events with substantial impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major accident" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a significant incident with substantial negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, highlighting its relevance in reporting and analyzing serious events. When using "major accident", be mindful of the context and ensure the severity of the incident warrants such a description to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "serious incident" or "catastrophic failure" can offer nuanced ways to express the gravity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major catastrophe

Emphasizes the disastrous and far-reaching consequences of the accident.

serious incident

Focuses on the gravity of the event rather than specifically categorizing it as an accident.

terrible incident

Emphasizes the negative and distressing aspects of the event.

severe mishap

Emphasizes the unfortunate and unintended nature of the event and the extremity of its effects.

grave event

Indicates the serious and somber nature of the accident.

critical occurrence

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the event.

significant collision

Specifically refers to accidents involving impact, such as vehicle collisions.

substantial crash

Implies a forceful impact and considerable damage.

catastrophic failure

Implies a complete and devastating breakdown or malfunction that results in an accident.

large-scale emergency

Highlights the extensive scope and urgent response required due to the accident.

FAQs

How is the phrase "major accident" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "major accident" is typically used to describe a severe incident that results in significant damage, injuries, or fatalities. For example, "The highway was closed due to a "major accident" involving multiple vehicles."

What are some alternatives to using "major accident"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "serious incident", "severe mishap", or "catastrophic failure".

When is it appropriate to use the term "major accident"?

Use "major accident" when describing an event with considerable negative consequences, such as widespread injuries, significant property damage, or environmental impact. Ensure the scale and impact of the event justify the use of such a strong term.

Is there a difference between a "major accident" and a "minor accident"?

Yes, a "major accident" involves significant damage, injuries, or potential loss of life, while a "minor accident" typically involves minimal damage and few or no injuries. The severity of the consequences is the key differentiator.