I miscalculated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I miscalculated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging an error in judgment or calculation, often in contexts involving numbers or estimations. Example: "After reviewing the budget, I realized that I miscalculated the total expenses for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I miscalculated, pure and simple.

The Guardian

"I miscalculated the yardage," Park said.

The New York Times - Sports

I miscalculated the distance, and it was a nightmare.

The New York Times

"I miscalculated over what it would take to negotiate a bill".

The New York Times

"I miscalculated, though, and it cost us a third more than what I thought".

The New York Times

Where had I miscalculated when I was planning out my life?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Nurses inject medications per my orders; if I miscalculate a dose and disaster ensues, who pays?

The New York Times

"But occasionally I miscalculate the thrust of it, and I forget that Michael is sitting over there playing bass".

The Guardian

Or I miscalculate and bring the wrong size saw blade or the curved-jaw vise grip instead of the one with the flat jaws.

The New York Times

I miscalculate how long things take and expect to cram in 20 minutes' worth of work into five when it's time to get ready.

Huffington Post

If I miscalculate, I panic and start the counting from the beginning, while also tapping the table seven times with the fifth digit of my right hand to make up for it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I miscalculated" when admitting a mistake in a prior estimate or calculation, especially when explaining the reason for an unexpected outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "I miscalculated" when you actually mean "I speculated". "Miscalculated" implies a failed prior attempt to calculate, whereas "speculated" suggests making a guess without calculation. "I miscalculated" is used when there was an attempt to quantify or estimate which turned out to be inaccurate. For example, don't say "I miscalculated that the stock would rise" if you simply made a guess; instead, say "I speculated that the stock would rise".

Linguistic Context

"I miscalculated" functions as a statement where the speaker acknowledges an error in their previous calculation or estimation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, such as admitting a misjudgment of distance or cost.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I miscalculated" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for admitting a mistake in a prior estimation or calculation. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is versatile and appropriate for diverse contexts, mainly appearing in news and media. While simple, it clearly conveys responsibility for an error in judgment. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a previous attempt to calculate, and not mere speculation. By being mindful of these nuances, you can effectively use "I miscalculated" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I made a miscalculation

Focuses on the act of making an incorrect calculation, similar to the original phrase.

My calculations were wrong

Directly states that the calculations performed were incorrect.

I erred in my estimation

Emphasizes that the mistake was in the estimation process.

I was mistaken in my assessment

Highlights that the error was in judging or evaluating a situation.

I judged incorrectly

A more general way of saying that one's judgment was flawed.

I underestimated

Specifically means that the calculation was lower than the actual value.

I overestimated

Specifically means that the calculation was higher than the actual value.

I was off in my figures

Indicates a mistake in numerical calculations or data.

I got my sums wrong

An informal way to say that the arithmetic was incorrect.

I didn't factor that in

Highlights that an important element was omitted in the calculation.

FAQs

How can I use "I miscalculated" in a sentence?

You can use "I miscalculated" when you want to admit you made a mistake in a previous estimation or calculation. For example, "I miscalculated the amount of time it would take to complete the project" or "I miscalculated the cost of the repairs".

What's a formal alternative to "I miscalculated"?

In a formal context, you could say "I made an error in my calculations" or "My estimation was inaccurate". These phrases are suitable for professional settings where a direct but polite tone is preferred.

What's the difference between "I miscalculated" and "I underestimated"?

"I miscalculated" is a general term for making an incorrect calculation. "I underestimated", however, specifically means that your calculation was lower than the actual value. For example, you might say "I "underestimated" the demand for the product".

What's the best way to phrase an apology after saying "I miscalculated"?

After stating "I miscalculated", you can add a phrase like "I apologize for the error" or "I take responsibility for the mistake". This shows accountability and helps maintain a professional tone.