major mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant error or blunder in various contexts, such as personal decisions, professional actions, or assessments. Example: "Not double-checking the report before submission was a major mistake that cost us the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a major mistake".

The New York Times

I had made a major mistake.

The New York Times

I think it's a major mistake.

The New York Times

That would be a major mistake.

The New York Times

Our major mistake was made early.

The New York Times

"I think that is a major mistake".

The New York Times

It would be a major mistake to do that".

Independent

But that would be Sabathia's only major mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

In retrospect, he said, "that was a major mistake".

The Guardian

It was a major mistake on my part.

The Guardian - Sport

"I made a major mistake at 24 years old.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "major mistake", be specific about what the mistake was and what consequences it had. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "major mistake" as a vague descriptor. Always provide context and details about the error to ensure your audience understands the gravity and implications of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major mistake" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a particular error or blunder as being significant. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used to express disapproval or regret over a substantial error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major mistake" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for describing a significant error or blunder. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to formal business communications. While it is generally neutral, more formal synonyms like "grave error" might be preferable in some situations. When using the phrase, it is best practice to specify the mistake and its consequences for clarity. Avoiding vague references will ensure the impact of your message. Alternatives like "serious error" or "critical blunder" can provide subtle differences in emphasis, enriching your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave error

Emphasizes the serious consequences of the mistake.

terrible error

Highlights the negative qualities of the mistake.

critical blunder

Highlights the incompetence or carelessness involved in the mistake.

serious misjudgment

Focuses on the poor decision-making that led to the mistake.

significant oversight

Highlights the neglect or inattention that caused the mistake.

palpable failure

Emphasizes how evident and obvious the mistake was.

colossal failure

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the mistake.

egregious fault

Emphasizes the shocking or outrageous nature of the mistake.

unforgivable lapse

Highlights the severity and potential consequences of the mistake.

massive screw-up

Uses informal language to describe a large and impactful mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "major mistake" to describe a significant error in various contexts. For example, "Not double-checking the figures was a "major mistake" that cost the company thousands."

What are some alternatives to "major mistake"?

Alternatives include "serious error", "critical blunder", or "significant oversight", depending on the specific context.

Is "major mistake" formal or informal?

"Major mistake" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "grave error" might be preferable in very formal writing.

What's the difference between "major mistake" and "minor mistake"?

"Major mistake" implies a significant error with considerable consequences, while "minor mistake" refers to a small error with little to no significant impact. The choice depends on the scale and effect of the error.