Obviously mistaken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Obviously mistaken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has made a clear error or misunderstanding that is apparent to others. Example: "His assumption about the project's timeline was obviously mistaken, as we had already communicated the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I am obviously mistaken about The IT Crowd.

The Guardian - Arts

"I was obviously mistaken". "After this I will at least have a story to tell my grandchildren," the California-based saxophonist added.

The Guardian - Music

Failing to account for mis-classification, tag failure, and emigration rates can result in overestimates of mortality rates by up two-fold, even when the data are corrected for obviously mistaken entries.

Ecological Modelling

I would suggest that definitions of the term that lead to the conclusion that presidents Truman, Kennedy, and Reagan were all leading isolationists is pretty obviously mistaken".

The New York Times

Kids at the nearby shopping centre sometimes heckle, Moore says, calling him God, or Jesus, "which I'll take, because Jesus died at 33 and they've obviously mistaken me for a much younger man".

The Guardian - Books

These are obviously mistaken renderings of (C1) and (C2).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Furthermore, obviously mistaking this for the 1970s and 80s, the Russians absolutely rule it.

The Guardian - Sport

There were obviously mistakes in the review process.

The Washington Post

Obviously mistakes happen, but this is rather unfortunate for UK Finance - especially as the pound seems to weaken when the figures was released.

The Guardian - Business

This was so obviously a mistaken bluff that VW's press department asked if Müller could give a second interview.

The Guardian

To participate in a riot is obviously a mistaken response to the kinds of dismal conditions that Clarke's report described.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obviously mistaken" when you want to clearly and directly point out an error or misunderstanding that should be apparent. Ensure the context supports the obviousness of the mistake to avoid sounding condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "obviously mistaken" when dealing with opinions or subjective matters. The phrase is best suited for factual errors or clear misinterpretations. Applying it to subjective viewpoints can come across as dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obviously mistaken" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It emphasizes that an error or misunderstanding is readily apparent and easily identifiable. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obviously mistaken" is a straightforward way to point out a clear error, as Ludwig AI confirms. While grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, it's more common in news and scientific writing. It's crucial to consider the context and audience to avoid sounding condescending. Alternatives like ""clearly incorrect"" or "patently false" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When aiming for directness and clarity, "obviously mistaken" remains a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly incorrect

Emphasizes the lack of correctness in a straightforward manner.

patently false

Highlights the falsity with a sense of being easily recognizable.

plainly wrong

Stresses the obvious nature of the error.

undeniably flawed

Focuses on the existence of defects or imperfections.

evidently erroneous

Points out the presence of errors based on available evidence.

manifestly inaccurate

Emphasizes the noticeable lack of accuracy.

demonstrably untrue

Highlights that the statement can be proven false.

blatantly misguided

Underscores the clear lack of proper direction or guidance.

transparently fallacious

Focuses on the deceptive or misleading nature of the statement.

laughably wrong

Indicates the error is so obvious it's almost absurd.

FAQs

How can I use "obviously mistaken" in a sentence?

You can use "obviously mistaken" to point out a clear error or misunderstanding. For example: "His calculation was "clearly incorrect" and, therefore, "obviously mistaken"".

What are some alternatives to "obviously mistaken"?

Some alternatives include ""clearly incorrect"", "patently false", or "plainly wrong", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "obviously mistaken" or "clearly mistaken"?

Both "obviously mistaken" and "clearly mistaken" are acceptable, but "obviously mistaken" carries a slightly stronger emphasis on the readily apparent nature of the error. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "obviously mistaken"?

It's inappropriate to use "obviously mistaken" when discussing subjective opinions or nuanced interpretations where there isn't a clear, factual error. In such cases, it can come across as condescending or dismissive.