a mistake by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mistake by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to attribute an error to a specific person or group, indicating who made the mistake. Example: "The project was delayed due to a mistake by the contractor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was a mistake by Ryan.

The New Yorker

It's a mistake by our government".

Independent

"That was a mistake by me".

The New York Times - Sports

I made a mistake by retaliating.

The New York Times - Sports

It was clearly a mistake by me.

The Guardian - Sport

A mistake by a player cannot be reversed by technology.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a mistake by them," he said.

Independent

Oddly, each record was followed by a mistake by Williams.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a mistake by the Village of Hempstead.

The New York Times

He knows he made a mistake by pleading guilty".

The New York Times

I made a mistake by joining the Taliban.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mistake by", ensure that the responsible party is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "a mistake was made", specify "a mistake by the manager".

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing mistakes. Saying "a mistake was made" obscures responsibility. Instead, clearly state who made the mistake by using the active voice: "The accountant made a mistake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mistake by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, attributing an error or fault to a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts, clarifying who or what is responsible for the error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a mistake by" serves to attribute errors clearly and directly. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in "News & Media", "Academia" and "Wiki" contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify the responsible party to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity. Common errors include using passive voice, which obscures responsibility. Alternatives such as "an error committed by" or "a blunder on the part of" can be used depending on the desired tone and context. The key is to ensure accurate and transparent attribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an error committed by

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

an oversight by

Replaces "mistake" with "oversight" to indicate a failure to notice something important.

an error attributable to

Emphasizes that the error can be traced back to a specific person or cause.

a blunder on the part of

Substitutes "mistake" with "blunder" to suggest a more significant error and uses a more formal structure.

a miscalculation by

Replaces "mistake" with "miscalculation", implying an error in judgment or planning.

a fault of

Focuses on the responsibility for the mistake, framing it as a flaw or failing.

a lapse in judgment by

Highlights the cognitive aspect of the mistake, suggesting a temporary failure to think clearly.

an inaccuracy caused by

Focuses on the result of the mistake, indicating that something is not correct due to someone's action.

a slip-up from

Uses a more informal term, "slip-up", to describe the mistake.

an indiscretion on the part of

Suggests a minor error or inappropriate action, using a formal tone.

FAQs

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

Use "a mistake by" to attribute an error to someone. For example, "The delay was "a mistake by" the shipping department" indicates that the shipping department caused the delay.

What are some alternatives to "a mistake by"?

Alternatives include "an error committed by", "a blunder on the part of", or "an oversight by". The choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a mistake by" or "a mistake made by"?

"A mistake by" is more concise and commonly used. "A mistake made by" is grammatically correct but can sound more verbose. The simpler form is generally preferred for clarity.

How does "a mistake by" differ from "due to"?

"A mistake by" specifically attributes fault. "Due to" explains the cause without necessarily assigning blame. For instance, "The project failed due to unforeseen circumstances" doesn't imply a mistake, while "The project failed due to "a mistake by" the project manager" does.