major mistakes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major mistakes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to significant errors or blunders in various contexts, such as writing, decision-making, or performance. Example: "The report was filled with major mistakes that needed to be addressed before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But let's deal first with two major mistakes: the overwhelming majority of people who graduate with an MA in journalism from City obtain jobs in journalism.

The Guardian

Johnson did not make any major mistakes.

The New York Times

"We should single out those who have made major mistakes".

The New York Times

And Mr. Reagan made some major mistakes, like warning about the environmental damage caused by trees.

The New York Times

"I made no major mistakes, just a little skid at the top of the first run.

The New York Times

Major mistakes and accidents are rare, but the consequences can be grim.

The New Yorker

Looking back over the Miller case, what do you see as the Times' major mistakes?

The New Yorker

Minor mistakes can be scraped and patched; major mistakes can require the rewriting of whole pages.

The New York Times

But keeping that support requires first that he not make any major mistakes.

The New York Times

The former world champion Marya Butyrskaya made two major mistakes and finished fourth.

The New York Times - Sports

But he avoided any major mistakes and finished with a 13-under 271 total.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "major mistakes", be specific about the nature and consequences of the errors. Provide context and examples to illustrate their impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of minor errors by labeling them as "major mistakes". Use more appropriate terms like "minor errors" or "slight oversights" when the impact is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major mistakes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "made", "avoided") or as a subject complement. As shown by Ludwig, it identifies errors that have significant consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major mistakes" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe significant errors or blunders. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, with applications also noted in science and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context and avoid exaggeration. Consider alternatives like ""serious errors"" or ""critical blunders"" depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of the impact you're describing to ensure accuracy and relevance in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious errors

Emphasizes the gravity of the errors.

critical blunders

Highlights the consequential nature of the mistakes.

grave missteps

Implies a significant deviation from the correct path.

significant failings

Focuses on the lack of success or effectiveness.

substantial oversights

Highlights the act of neglecting something important.

serious lapses in judgment

Emphasizes poor decision-making.

egregious errors

Stresses the shocking or outstanding nature of the errors.

monumental errors

Emphasizes the large scale of the errors.

costly errors

Highlights the negative consequences of the errors.

major faults

Indicates significant flaws or defects.

FAQs

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

You can use "major mistakes" to describe significant errors or blunders, such as: "The company made "major mistakes" in its financial planning."

What are some alternatives to "major mistakes"?

Alternatives to "major mistakes" include "serious errors", "critical blunders", or "grave missteps", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "major mistakes" in formal writing?

Yes, "major mistakes" is appropriate for formal writing, although consider using more precise language depending on the specific context and audience. Options such as "significant failings" or "substantial oversights" could be more fitting in some cases.

What distinguishes "major mistakes" from "minor mistakes"?

"Major mistakes" refer to errors with significant consequences, while "minor mistakes" have minimal impact. The distinction lies in the severity and the resulting implications.