serious mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"serious mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're describing an error that has serious repercussions or consequences. For example: "He made a serious mistake when he failed to report the incident in a timely manner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You made one serious mistake".

The New Yorker

A serious mistake.

The Guardian

It was a serious mistake.

The Economist

"That was a serious mistake".

The New York Times

Yet a serious mistake still occurred.

The New York Times - Sports

That, he says, is a serious mistake.

The New York Times

(5) I made a serious mistake.

The New York Times

That would be a serious mistake.

The New York Times

He didn't make a single serious mistake.

Independent

And it is a serious mistake.

The Guardian

This would be a serious mistake.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific when describing the "serious mistake". Instead of saying "He made a serious mistake", specify what the mistake was and why it was serious.

Common error

Avoid using "serious mistake" to describe minor errors or inconveniences. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing seem exaggerated. Reserve it for situations with genuine, significant repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious mistake" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or complement in a sentence. It identifies an error with significant negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. For example, "That was a serious mistake."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious mistake" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant error with notable consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals that it's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in academic and professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its severity and consider alternative phrases like "grave error" or "major blunder" to add nuance. Avoid overusing the term for minor errors, as this can dilute its impact. Being specific about the "serious mistake" itself enhances clarity and emphasizes the importance of the error. By considering these factors, you can effectively communicate the weight of an error in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave error

Implies a severe and impactful error, often with significant consequences.

major blunder

Suggests a significant and often embarrassing mistake.

critical oversight

Focuses on the failure to notice or address a crucial detail.

costly misjudgment

Highlights the negative consequences and expense resulting from poor judgment.

significant lapse in judgment

Emphasizes the failure to exercise sound decision-making.

regrettable error

Highlights the feeling of sadness or disappointment associated with mistake.

unfortunate miscalculation

Indicates an error in planning or estimation that led to negative consequences.

grievous fault

Points out a serious mistake deserving blame.

big screw-up

An informal phrase indicating a big mistake was made.

monumental error

Describes a large and historically important mistake.

FAQs

How to use "serious mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "serious mistake" to describe a significant error. For example, "Failing to back up the data was a serious mistake".

What can I say instead of "serious mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "grave error", "major blunder", or "critical oversight" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "serious mistake" or "severely mistake"?

"Serious mistake" is the correct phrase. "Severely" is an adverb and doesn't fit grammatically with "mistake". You could say "a severely mistaken decision".

What's the difference between "serious mistake" and "minor error"?

A "serious mistake" has significant consequences, while a "minor error" is a small, inconsequential mistake. The impact of the error is the key difference.