most serious error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most serious error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the gravity of a mistake or fault in a particular context, often in formal or analytical writing. Example: "The report highlighted the most serious error in the data analysis, which led to incorrect conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Its most serious error is to claim that Betfair's profits are overstated".

The Guardian - Business

Probably his most serious error was his failure to lure more support from Mr. Cardenas, who opposes the PRI from the left.

The New York Times

That is why the most serious error behind the crisis was the failure by government to prevent these loans from being made in the first place.

The New York Times

For single-frequency Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) users, it is necessary to select a simple and effective broadcast ionospheric model to mitigate the ionospheric delay, which is one of the most serious error sources in GNSS measurement.

Advances in Space Research

The most serious error, which slipped into the IPCC's fourth assessment in 2007 and prompted a global outcry, was the mistaken statement that the Himalayan glaciers could disappear by 2035.

The Guardian

The most serious error, in a phrase used in a leader column, resulted in the following correction, which appeared with the others already mentioned, on January 27: "In a leader to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, page 25, yesterday, we referred to 'Polish gas chambers and crematoria'.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This letter corrects the most serious errors.

Princeton University

The most serious errors in the eyes of the judges is that investigators for the prosecution collected evidence from United Nations staff members and rights groups in Congo and gave assurances that they would not disclose the identities of the sources.

The New York Times

For all his self-righteousness, this ADA made one of the most serious errors a prosecutor can make.

Huffington Post

A panel was established to review the most serious errors and a random selection of other errors.

BMJ Quality and Safety

To focus on the most serious errors (no antibiotic or under-dosed antibiotic), recommended and adequate treatment were combined.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most serious error", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the error particularly significant. Quantify the impact if possible to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "most serious error" for minor mistakes. Reserve this phrase for situations where the error has significant and lasting consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most serious error" functions as a noun phrase, where "most serious" modifies the noun "error". This emphasizes the magnitude or severity of the error being described. Examples found by Ludwig confirm this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most serious error" serves to emphasize the gravity of a mistake, making it suitable for formal contexts like news reporting, scientific publications, and academic papers. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used to highlight critical failures and their impacts. While the phrase is effective for drawing attention to significant errors, it should be reserved for situations where the consequences are truly substantial to avoid overstating the issue. Related phrases, such as ""gravest error"" or ""critical mistake"", can offer alternative nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gravest error

Emphasizes the extreme severity and potential consequences of the mistake.

critical mistake

Highlights the importance and potential for failure resulting from the error.

biggest blunder

Suggests a significant and embarrassing mistake.

major failing

Focuses on the deficiency or inadequacy that the error represents.

principal defect

Emphasizes the fundamental flaw or shortcoming.

foremost fault

Highlights the primary responsibility or cause of the error.

primary transgression

Implies a violation of rules or ethical standards.

key oversight

Focuses on the neglect or failure to notice something important.

chief inaccuracy

Emphasizes the lack of truth or correctness in the error.

cardinal sin

Implies a fundamental and unforgivable error, often in a specific context.

FAQs

How can I use "most serious error" in a sentence?

You can use "most serious error" to highlight a critical mistake, as in "The "most serious error" in the calculation led to a complete misrepresentation of the data".

What are some alternatives to "most serious error"?

Alternatives include "critical mistake", "major blunder", or "gravest error", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "most serious error" formal or informal?

"Most serious error" is suitable for formal contexts like reports, academic papers, and professional communications. More informal settings might call for less severe phrasing.

What distinguishes "most serious error" from a regular mistake?

The phrase "most serious error" implies the mistake has significant negative consequences, affecting outcomes or causing substantial damage, unlike a simple "minor mistake".