a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mistake" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to talk about something that was done incorrectly or in error. Here are a few examples of how it could be used in a sentence: - "I made a mistake on the test and ended up getting a lower grade." - "Her essay was well-written, but there were a few small mistakes in grammar." - "I apologize for any inconvenience caused by our mistake in your order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A mistake.

The New York Times

That is a mistake.

The New York Times

Clearly a mistake.

The New York Times - Travel

Or a mistake.

The Guardian - Sport

Tiananmen was a mistake.

The New York Times

Was that a mistake?

Forbes

Making a mistake?

Independent

It is a mistake.

The New York Times

He'd made a mistake.

The New Yorker

Tempting, but a mistake.

The Economist

Was it a mistake?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mistake" to acknowledge errors or missteps, taking responsibility for the action.

Common error

Avoid using "a mistake" to minimize the severity of an error, especially when it involves negligence or harm. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to accurately convey the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating that it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a mistake" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to an error or fault. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and severity of the error when using this phrase, opting for more specific language when necessary. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, "a mistake" appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, highlighting its broad applicability across various registers. Understanding related phrases such as "an error" or "a blunder" can further refine your expression, allowing for nuanced communication in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an error

Emphasizes a deviation from accuracy or correctness.

a blunder

Suggests a more significant or embarrassing error.

a fault

Highlights responsibility or accountability for the error.

an oversight

Implies the error was due to inattention or neglect.

a slip-up

Indicates a minor or unintentional error.

a misjudgment

Focuses on the poor decision-making that led to the error.

a lapse

Suggests a temporary failure in judgment or behavior.

an inaccuracy

Highlights the lack of precision or correctness.

a failing

Points to a weakness or deficiency that caused the error.

an impropriety

Suggests a violation of rules or standards of conduct.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mistake" in various contexts to indicate an error or fault. For example, "I made a mistake on the exam", "That was a costly mistake", or "It was all a mistake".

What are some alternatives to using "a mistake"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an error", "a blunder", "a fault", or "an oversight".

Is it always appropriate to describe an error as "a mistake"?

While "a mistake" is generally acceptable, consider the severity and impact of the error. For significant or harmful errors, using more specific language may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a mistake" and "a wrongdoing"?

"A mistake" generally implies an unintentional error, while "a wrongdoing" suggests an intentional or unethical act. The choice depends on whether the action was accidental or deliberate.