major flaw of

USAGE SUMMARY

"major flaw of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing something that has a major issue or deficiency. Example: The major flaw of this car is its poor fuel efficiency.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It was a major flaw of leadership.

The Guardian

Mr. Gabay said the major flaw of the Tonys was who rules on eligibility.

The New York Times

The major flaw of "The Quotable Assassin" is the jarring fast forward of plot in the final scenes.

The New York Times

The major flaw of the first book -- McCourt's lack of candor about his family and drinking problems -- is not in evidence here.

The New York Times - Books

That is the major flaw of positive rights: Who is to blame if they're not met?" A moral imperative is not the same as a financial solution.

The New Yorker

However, a major flaw of the "Let's Move" agenda is that it primarily addresses individual behaviours, largely neglecting the structural factors that are so important in shaping them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

That preoccupation speaks to one of the major flaws of this patchy second episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, this survey reveals the major flaws of many of these local truces.

The Washington Post

The GS also erases major flaws of standard Regals: the straining 2.4-liter engine of the cheapest versions and the upsetting torque steer of the Turbo.

The New York Times

But as we race toward the Oct. 7 election date, the public and the courts should take time to consider the major flaws of the process.

The New York Times

At the end of my first term, a satirical magazine (ie "a mean piece of paper") came out, detailing what its authors thought were the major flaws of the college.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major flaw of", ensure the subject you're discussing genuinely has a significant, impactful defect. Avoid using it for minor or trivial issues to maintain credibility.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "major flaw of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "big problem with" or "main issue in" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major flaw of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and emphasizes a significant defect or shortcoming within a subject. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, which demonstrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major flaw of" is a commonly used phrase that serves to highlight a significant defect or shortcoming. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context. While it frequents news and scientific writing, avoid overuse in casual settings where simpler phrasing would sound more natural. Remember that "major flaw of" is about a serious issue, reserving it for truly impactful defects will maximize its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant defect of

Replaces "major flaw" with "significant defect", emphasizing the importance of the issue.

key weakness of

Substitutes "major flaw" with "key weakness", highlighting a critical vulnerability.

primary shortcoming of

Replaces "major flaw" with "primary shortcoming", focusing on a principal deficiency.

principal failing of

Changes "major flaw" to "principal failing", emphasizing a core inadequacy.

critical disadvantage of

Substitutes "major flaw" with "critical disadvantage", pointing out a serious drawback.

main imperfection of

Replaces "major flaw" with "main imperfection", highlighting a notable blemish.

serious limitation of

Changes "major flaw" to "serious limitation", focusing on a significant constraint.

chief defect in

Substitutes "major flaw of" with "chief defect in", restructuring the sentence and focusing on a primary fault.

biggest problem with

Replaces "major flaw of" with "biggest problem with", using a more informal tone.

most significant issue in

Changes "major flaw of" to "most significant issue in", offering a more neutral perspective.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "major flaw of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "significant defect of", "key weakness of", or "primary shortcoming of".

How can I use "major flaw of" in a sentence?

You can use "major flaw of" to point out a significant defect or shortcoming in something. For example, "The major flaw of the design is its lack of user-friendliness."

Is it always appropriate to use "major flaw of"?

While grammatically correct, "major flaw of" can sound formal. In more casual settings, consider alternatives like "biggest problem with" or "main issue in".

What's the difference between "major flaw of" and "minor flaw of"?

"Major flaw of" indicates a significant defect that severely impacts the subject, while "minor flaw of" refers to a less critical imperfection that does not significantly affect the subject's functionality or quality.