a mistake I made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mistake I made" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on an error or misjudgment in a personal or professional context. Example: "Looking back, I realize that a mistake I made was not asking for help when I needed it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"That's a mistake I made.

The New York Times

Here's a mistake I made.

Harvard Business Review

"What a mistake I made".

The New York Times

This is a mistake I made".

The New Yorker

A reader has pointed out a mistake I made above.

The New York Times

"That's a mistake I made," Paterno said after that game.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

So I didn't make a shopping mistake – I made a feminist gesture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

_ Actually the title came from a wonderful mistake I made.

The New Yorker

"It was a terrible mistake I made".

Huffington Post

If I make a mistake, I say, "I made a mistake".

The New York Times

So, it's not a mistake I've made.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When admitting "a mistake I made", be specific about the error and its consequences to demonstrate accountability.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "a mistake I made" without providing context or details about the error. This can come across as insincere or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mistake I made" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an error committed by the speaker. It typically introduces an explanation or apology. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mistake I made" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to acknowledge a personal error. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application. It's versatile across different contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations, but its impact hinges on the specifics of the situation and the tone of the delivery. When using this phrase, clarity and accountability are key; provide context and demonstrate a commitment to learning from the error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an error I committed

Replaces "mistake" with "error" and uses the verb "committed" to emphasize the action.

I was wrong to do that

Directly acknowledges the incorrectness of a past action.

a blunder I caused

Uses "blunder" to suggest a more significant mistake and "caused" to highlight responsibility.

that was my error

Points out a specific past action that turned out to be incorrect, with 'error' replacing mistake.

a fault of mine

Focuses on personal responsibility by indicating the mistake as a "fault".

I should have done differently

Acknowledges that an action should have been taken with other procedure or approach.

something I did wrong

A more general way of admitting a mistake, suitable for less formal contexts.

I regret doing that

A more dramatic phrasing to convey that you wish you had not done something.

a misjudgment on my part

Highlights the mistake as a failure in judgment.

an oversight I had

Focuses on the mistake being a result of not noticing something important.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mistake I made" to acknowledge an error or misjudgment. For example, "Looking back, a mistake I made was not asking for help when I needed it."

What phrases are similar to "a mistake I made"?

Alternatives include "an error I committed", "a blunder I caused", or "a fault of mine", depending on the context and severity of the error.

Is it better to say "a mistake I made" or "the mistake I made"?

The choice depends on the context. "A mistake I made" is more general, while "the mistake I made" refers to a specific, previously mentioned mistake.

How can I follow up after admitting "a mistake I made"?

After admitting "a mistake I made", it's important to explain what you've learned from the experience and how you plan to avoid similar mistakes in the future. This shows accountability and a commitment to improvement.