serious defects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious defects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant flaws or issues in a product, system, or process that require attention or correction. Example: "The inspection revealed several serious defects in the construction that needed to be addressed before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But the engine is showing signs of serious defects".

The New York Times

On opening night there were serious defects in the overamplification of La Conja's voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Given the high risk of serious defects, they said, it would be immoral to think about cloning humans.

The New York Times

Jerusalem's mayor, Ehud Olmert, said there appeared to have been serious defects in the construction and maintenance of the building.

The New York Times

The administration appears to be preparing important fixes to what many see as some of the law's most serious defects.

The New York Times

In 2007 MIT brought a lawsuit against the Gehry partnership, claiming serious defects in design and execution.

The Guardian - Arts

Since succeeding Fidel Castro in 2008, Raúl has defended the half-century-old revolution but admitted serious defects.

The Guardian

Automakers are required to report consumer complaints to the Transport Ministry and must issue recalls if serious defects are found.

The New York Times

All the conditions that have so far been described by Dr. Patau and his associates involve serious defects in development, and most of them involve mental retardation.

The New Yorker

Closures were prompted across the region's schools after repairs to storm damage at Oxgangs primary revealed "further serious defects" with the building on Friday.

The Guardian

But lawyers and engineers said that they had also come across buildings with more serious defects that violate the city's building code.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, use "serious defects" to convey the severity and potential impact of the problems.

Common error

While "serious defects" accurately describes significant flaws, avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "major problems" or "big issues" for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious defects" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "defects". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing flaws in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serious defects" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe significant flaws or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various formal and technical contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific publications. When writing, using terms such as "major flaws" or "critical issues" can serve as useful alternatives. Though widely appropriate, remember to consider your audience and purpose when choosing your language. Avoid overusing the phrase in casual conversations, as simpler language may be better suited for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major flaws

Emphasizes the importance or scale of the imperfections.

critical issues

Highlights problems that require immediate attention due to their potential impact.

grave deficiencies

Conveys a sense of severity and inadequacy in something.

significant shortcomings

Focuses on the notable aspects that are lacking or insufficient.

substantial imperfections

Indicates that flaws are present to a considerable degree.

severe faults

Points out serious errors or failures in design or construction.

considerable weaknesses

Highlights the areas where something is vulnerable or underperforming significantly.

dangerous liabilities

Emphasizes the potential for harm or risk associated with the flaws.

profound limitations

Highlights deep-seated restrictions or constraints.

glaring errors

Focuses on mistakes that are very obvious or conspicuous.

FAQs

How can I use "serious defects" in a sentence?

You can use "serious defects" to describe significant flaws or problems. For example: "The car was recalled due to "serious defects" in the braking system."

What are some alternatives to saying "serious defects"?

Alternatives include "major flaws", "critical issues", or "grave deficiencies", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "serious defects" formal or informal language?

"Serious defects" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for professional, technical, or news contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What kinds of things can have "serious defects"?

Everything from software to buildings to medical devices can have "serious defects". The phrase indicates a significant problem requiring attention and potentially posing risks.