a mistake on purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mistake on purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was intentionally done incorrectly or as a form of deception. Example: "He claimed it was a mistake on purpose to avoid taking responsibility for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I have to say that I can't imagine Mr. Lagasse making a mistake on purpose just so his viewers will feel empowered to cook, and perhaps the Food Network doesn't expect that from him.

The New York Times - Arts

(The phrase was popularized by the English poet Alexander Pope in 1709 as "Those oft are stratagems which errors seem,/Nor is it Homer nods, but that we dream". I sometimes make a mistake on purpose, too, to demonstrate the power of my mail pull).

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He said he found it difficult to believe that the prosecutors had not made the mistake on purpose.

The New York Times - Sports

"He hasn't made the mistake on purpose.

BBC

"I'll make a few mistakes on purpose," he told the campers, who were only three days into their weeklong camp.

The New York Times

Was this a mistake on top of a mistake?

The Guardian - Music

"I made a mistake on Tesco.

BBC

This is a mistake on two counts.

SEP

This was a mistake on our part.

TechCrunch

"It was a mistake on my part.

TechCrunch

That's a mistake on my part.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mistake on purpose" when you want to emphasize that an error was not accidental but deliberately made, often with a hidden motive or strategic advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "a mistake on purpose" when describing genuine accidents or errors of judgment. This phrase should only be used when there is clear evidence or strong suspicion of deliberate intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mistake on purpose" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition, to describe an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a mistake on purpose" describes an error that was intentionally made, often for strategic or deceptive reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, although it's a relatively rare expression. Usage is most frequent in news and media contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "deliberate error", "intentional fault", or "calculated blunder". When using this phrase, make sure the context clearly supports the idea of intentionality. Avoid using it for genuine accidents. While grammatically sound, it's essential to use this phrase accurately to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberate error

Emphasizes the intentional nature of the mistake.

intentional fault

Highlights the awareness and intent behind the error.

calculated blunder

Suggests the mistake was planned for a specific outcome.

planned error

Similar to deliberate error, highlighting pre-planning.

strategic error

Emphasizes the purpose behind the mistake, making it part of a larger plan.

purposeful mistake

Directly states the mistake was made with a specific aim.

premeditated error

Suggests the error was thought out and planned in advance.

contrived mistake

Suggests the mistake was artificially created.

fabricated error

Implies the mistake was invented or made up.

simulated error

Implies the mistake was created as an imitation of something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mistake on purpose" to describe actions intentionally performed incorrectly, as in "He claimed it was "a mistake on purpose" to avoid taking responsibility".

What are some alternatives to "a mistake on purpose"?

Alternatives include "deliberate error", "intentional fault", or "calculated blunder", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a mistake on purpose"?

Yes, "a mistake on purpose" is grammatically correct and understandable, although it's relatively infrequent compared to phrases like "deliberate mistake".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a mistake on purpose"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that an error was intentionally made, usually with a strategic or deceptive intent. It implies that the error was not accidental.