major miscalculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major miscalculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant error in judgment or calculation, often in contexts involving decision-making or planning. Example: "The team's failure to account for the weather conditions was a major miscalculation that cost them the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was a major miscalculation.

The Guardian

That was a major miscalculation.

The Guardian

But, in September of 2011, Hastings made a major miscalculation.

The New Yorker

The big risk, as always, is what happens if the North Koreans make a major miscalculation.

The New York Times

And on closer inspection there was a major miscalculation of local needs.

The Guardian

The opera then concludes with a mystical ensemble that comes across as a major miscalculation.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Ignorance of the past could lead to major miscalculations.

The Washington Post

By September, major miscalculations had forced Washington's inexperienced troops to retreat.

The New York Times

But the Luftwaffe, in one of the major miscalculations of the aerial war, usually confined its fast, deadly fighters to close escort of the bomber formations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If they don't start assessing the weight of the brotherhood accurately, they will make major miscalculations in the coming days".

The Guardian

A few days after the departure of Stu Bloomberg, an ABC co-chairman, network executives acknowledged today that they made some major miscalculations in the last two years that resulted in a surprisingly weak performance this television season.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "major miscalculation" with specific details about the miscalculation's consequences to highlight the impact of the error.

Common error

Avoid using "major miscalculation" for minor errors or disagreements. Reserve it for situations where the miscalculation genuinely leads to significant negative outcomes or consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major miscalculation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a significant error in judgment or calculation. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major miscalculation" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a significant error in judgment or calculation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It's commonly found in news, business, and general discussions, highlighting the impact and consequences of substantial mistakes. When employing this phrase, clarity and specification of the affected area are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant error in judgment

Emphasizes the flawed decision-making process leading to the mistake.

Serious misjudgment

Highlights the severity of the error in assessment.

Grave error

Conveys the seriousness and potential consequences of the mistake.

Critical blunder

Focuses on the negative outcome and the element of carelessness or oversight.

Costly mistake

Highlights the negative consequences or price paid because of the error.

Fateful misstep

Suggests the mistake had significant and unavoidable consequences.

Strategic miscalculation

Implies a mistake in planning or long-term thinking.

Bad call

An informal way to describe a poor decision.

Oversight of great magnitude

Emphasizes the extent and impact of the overlooked factor.

Mis-estimation of critical importance

Emphasizes the incorrect assessment of a crucial factor.

FAQs

How can I use "major miscalculation" in a sentence?

You can use "major miscalculation" to describe a significant error in judgment or calculation. For example, "The company's expansion plan was a "major miscalculation" that led to substantial financial losses."

What are some alternatives to "major miscalculation"?

Alternatives include "significant error in judgment", "serious misjudgment", or "critical blunder", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "major miscalculation" in formal writing?

Yes, "major miscalculation" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific audience and context, as more precise or nuanced language might sometimes be preferable.

What makes a miscalculation "major"?

A miscalculation is considered "major" when it has significant consequences, such as causing substantial financial losses, strategic failures, or other serious negative outcomes. The impact of the error determines its classification as "major".