Make a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Make a mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of committing an error or blunder in various contexts, such as writing, speaking, or decision-making. Example: "Everyone makes a mistake from time to time, and it's important to learn from them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Make a mistake.

The New York Times - Arts

Make a mistake; horizontal.

The Guardian - Film

"Make a mistake, then learn from it".

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes you make a mistake".

The New York Times

Sometimes, I make a mistake".

The New York Times - Sports

You cannot make a mistake".

The New York Times - Arts

Did someone make a mistake?

The Economist

DID she make a mistake?

The New York Times

"Did I make a mistake?

The New York Times - Arts

Someone is going to make a mistake.

The New York Times

The referees can make a mistake, too".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing mistakes, focus on the learning opportunity rather than dwelling on the error itself. For example, instead of saying "I made a mistake", try "I made a mistake, but I learned from it".

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overuse of "make a mistake". Opt for more precise verbs that specify the type of error, such as "miscalculate", "overlook", or "misinterpret". This adds clarity and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a mistake" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of committing an error. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it’s a common expression for acknowledging errors or failures. Examples from Ludwig show its broad applicability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a mistake" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to describe the action of committing an error. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely applicable. Its prevalence in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts indicates its broad usage. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider more precise alternatives like "commit an error" or "slip up" depending on the formality and desired nuance. When writing, focus on learning from mistakes and avoid overusing the phrase in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commit an error

Replaces "make" with "commit" and "mistake" with "error", slightly more formal.

Err

A shorter, more direct way of saying "make a mistake", often used in formal contexts.

Go wrong

A general way to indicate something has failed or a mistake has been made.

Slip up

More informal, suggesting a small, unintentional mistake.

Be incorrect

Focuses on the state of being wrong rather than the action of making a mistake.

Blunder

Implies a more significant and often clumsy mistake.

Drop the ball

An idiomatic expression meaning to fail or make a mistake, especially in a crucial situation.

Miscalculate

Suggests an error in judgment or estimation.

Fall short

Suggests failure to meet a standard or expectation.

Misstep

Suggests a mistake that causes you to lose balance both literally and figuratively.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "Make a mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "commit an error", "err", or "slip up" depending on the context.

Is it always bad to "Make a mistake"?

Not necessarily. Making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growth. It's important to learn from them and avoid repeating the same errors. Sometimes, mistakes can even lead to unexpected discoveries or innovations.

How can I avoid "Make a mistake" in my writing?

Proofread your work carefully, use grammar and spell-checking tools, and ask someone else to review your writing. Paying attention to details and understanding the rules of grammar and punctuation can help minimize errors.

What's the difference between "Make a mistake" and "commit an error"?

"Make a mistake" is a more common and general phrase, while "commit an error" tends to be more formal. They both mean to do something incorrectly, but the choice depends on the context and desired tone.