such a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to mistakes that are considered serious, careless, or embarrassing. For example: "He made such a mistake when he accidentally deleted the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Such a mistake.

The New York Times - Style

Did you ever commit such a mistake?

The New Yorker

That is not such a mistake.

The Economist

Going to Rome was such a mistake.

The New Yorker

Why was it such a mistake?

The Guardian

He could try to fake such a mistake himself.

The Economist

"We hope that such a mistake will not be repeated".

The New York Times

It is never convenient to confess such a mistake.

The New York Times

I could not believe I had made such a mistake.

The New Yorker

That is why what Ditka did was such a mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

How could someone like me make such a mistake?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such a mistake" to emphasize the magnitude or impact of an error. This phrase is suitable when you want to express surprise or disbelief that the error occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "such a mistake" too frequently in your writing, as it can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternative phrases like "a grave error" or "a significant oversight" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a mistake" functions as a noun phrase used to emphasize the magnitude or unexpected nature of an error. It commonly serves as the object of a verb or follows a linking verb, highlighting the speaker's surprise or disapproval. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "such a mistake" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the significance or unexpectedness of an error. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's particularly frequent in news and media contexts, often used to express surprise, disappointment, or criticism. While versatile, varying your language with alternatives like "a grave error" or "a significant oversight" can enhance writing style. Remember that "such" amplifies the impact, making it distinct from simply saying "a mistake".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave error

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the mistake.

a regrettable error

Highlights the feeling of regret or disappointment associated with the mistake.

a terrible blunder

Suggests a clumsy or foolish mistake.

a significant oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglecting something important.

a major lapse in judgment

Emphasizes the faulty decision-making behind the mistake.

a costly error

Highlights the negative consequences or expenses resulting from the mistake.

an inexcusable error

Indicates that the mistake is difficult to justify or forgive.

a critical misstep

Suggests that the mistake has significant implications for future progress or success.

a foolish error

Highlights the lack of intelligence or good sense involved in the mistake.

a monumental screw-up

Implies a large-scale and highly problematic mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "such a mistake" to emphasize the unexpected or significant nature of an error. For instance, "I can't believe he made "such a mistake" after all his training."

What are some alternatives to saying "such a mistake"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a grave error", "a significant oversight", or "a terrible blunder" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever appropriate to use "such a mistake" in formal writing?

Yes, "such a mistake" can be used in formal writing, especially when conveying surprise or concern about a notable error. However, consider the tone and choose the most appropriate alternative if a more neutral or objective description is needed.

What makes "such a mistake" different from simply saying "a mistake"?

The addition of "such" amplifies the severity or unexpectedness of the mistake. It implies that the mistake is particularly noteworthy or impactful compared to a routine error.