Using lapse, slip and blunder

[Mefodij]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Synonyms for error and fault", question 10

He was in a coma for more than two weeks after the accident but now he has woken up and the doctors say he has a ......... of memory. He can hardly remember what had happened.

(a) gaffe
(b) lapse
(c) slip
(d) error

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Synonyms for error and fault", answer 10

He was in a comma for more than two weeks after the accident but now he has woken up and the doctors say he has a lapse of memory. He can hardly remember what had happened.

Correct answer: (b) lapse
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When should I use:
lapse, slip and blunder?

Mefodij

[Daniela]

Dear Mefodij,
Blunder is a careless, serious mistake in action or speech, suggesting awkwardness or ignorance; a stupid, clumsy mistake. Most of the time it can affect other people.

Slip is usually a minor mistake made through haste or carefulness; a slight error in speech or writing: a slip of the tongue; a slip of the finger, etc.

Lapse is a usually minor or temporary failure; a slip, omission of something: a lapse of memory; a lapse in judgment; a mistake resulting from inattention.

Daniela
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[baton]

Dear Daniela,

You say: "Slip is usually a minor mistake made through haste or carefulness" Do you mean "carelessness"?

[Daniela]

Dear Baton,
That's exactly what I mean - "carelessness". Thanks for that! Now I have given you another example of "slip of the finger".
Daniela
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[Tom]

[Alan]

Hi Tom,

I can see you're on the past perfect hunt! Possibly here is another example of 'overkill'. I also would prefer 'happened'.

A
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