Careless mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Careless mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error that occurred due to a lack of attention or thoughtfulness. Example: "He made a careless mistake on the exam, which cost him valuable points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Was this just a careless mistake, because carelessness could lead to recklessness, or was this deliberate?

The New York Times

"I made a careless mistake," I moaned.

The New Yorker

Today's more media-savvy candidates would not make such a careless mistake.

The Economist

"We had talked about that in the huddle, but it was a careless mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

Was it the result of a bizarre and careless mistake of a lowly henchman?

The Guardian

Batting was perhaps becoming too easy for the home skipper and it was a careless mistake.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

He makes careless mistakes.

The New Yorker

We made careless mistakes".

The Guardian - Sport

Do you (or your child) often make careless mistakes?

The New York Times - Health

"These were careless mistakes, they were avoidable mistakes, but they were unintentional," he said.

Independent

She begins, strangely, with a seemingly hasty introduction that has some careless mistakes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional or high-stakes situations, consider using synonyms like "negligent error" or "avoidable oversight" to convey a more precise level of responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "careless mistake" when the error has severe consequences or involves malicious intent. Opt for terms like "negligence" or "malpractice" to reflect the gravity of the situation more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careless mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of error that arises from a lack of attention or caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used and accepted phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "careless mistake" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an error resulting from a lack of attention or caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted and appears frequently in news media and scientific sources. While suitable for general communication, more formal alternatives like "negligent error" or "avoidable oversight" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the level of severity matches the situation. Also, remember it’s not the same as an "intentional error". The source analysis indicates its prevalence in reputable publications, reinforcing its legitimacy and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Negligent error

Emphasizes the neglectful aspect of the mistake.

Inadvertent blunder

Highlights the unintentional and clumsy nature of the error.

Oversight due to negligence

Specifies that the error occurred because of a failure to oversee or supervise properly.

Slip-up caused by inattention

Focuses on the momentary lapse in attention that led to the mistake.

Hasty error

Indicates the mistake was made due to acting too quickly.

Reckless error

Suggests the error was made without regard to the consequences.

Preventable mistake

Highlights the fact that the mistake could have been avoided.

Avoidable oversight

Similar to 'preventable mistake', emphasizes the aspect of overlooking something important.

Thoughtless error

Indicates a lack of consideration or forethought.

Unforced error

Commonly used in sports, implies the error was not caused by the opponent or external factors.

FAQs

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

You can use "careless mistake" to describe an error resulting from a lack of attention or thought. For example, "He lost the game due to a "careless mistake" in the final round."

What's a more formal alternative to "careless mistake"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "negligent error", "avoidable oversight", or "inadvertent blunder" as more sophisticated ways to express the same idea.

Is there a difference between "careless mistake" and "intentional error"?

Yes, a "careless mistake" is unintentional and results from a lack of focus, whereas an "intentional error" is a deliberate action. They have opposite meanings.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "careless mistake"?

It may be inappropriate when the error caused significant harm or damage, or when there was malicious intent. In such cases, more serious terms like "negligence" or "malpractice" may be more fitting.