a one-time mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"a one-time mistake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a mistake or error that has only happened once and is not likely to be repeated. Example: "I know I made a one-time mistake by forgetting your birthday, but I promise it won't happen again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In some ways, that failure could be considered a one-time mistake.

The New York Times

It was not a "one-time mistake or the product of benign neglect," wrote the judge, Nicholas G. Garaufis of Federal District Court in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

According to Mr. Helgerson's report, C.I.A. officials "within hours" of the downing explained the accident as a one-time mistake in an otherwise sound counternarcotics program.

The New York Times

Freeman explained in a statement that he has attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and that he entered the drug program voluntarily to show that an episode of taking Ritalin instead of Adderall was a one-time mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think everybody feels confident that it was a one-time mistake and Sammy is going to have to take whatever punishment, in the end, that the commissioner's office feels is appropriate," Hendry said.

The New York Times - Sports

But Paul Mirengoff of the conservative blog Power Line reacts with sadness, rather than partisan glee: "I hope that Spitzer's involvement with the prostitute was a one-time mistake, and not part of a pattern".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I can't count the number of people who have said to me, "You're not really an alcoholic, are you?" Or the people who refuse to admit that my brother died because he was an addict, as if it was just a fluke thing -- a one time mistake and he overdosed.

Huffington Post

Even if the affair was a "one time" mistake, the temptation to cheat again will always exist as long as the partner of your affair remains in your life.

WikiHow

After the mishap at the Brenden Concord, the company's vice-president of operations, Walter Eichinger, said: "Playing that trailer was a one-time, honest mistake by a theatre manager moving screens around in an effort to accommodate several large, last-minute groups wanting to see Dory.

The Guardian - Film

"This was no mistake, not a one-time thing," said Mariel LeValley, the new booster president.

Los Angeles Times

I think that anybody who thinks this was a one-time, one-person transgression would be mistaken," Politico quoted one source as saying.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When acknowledging "a one-time mistake", be specific about what went wrong and what steps you're taking to prevent recurrence. This demonstrates accountability and a commitment to improvement.

Common error

Avoid labeling recurring issues as "a one-time mistake". This can undermine trust and credibility. Thoroughly investigate the root cause to implement effective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-time mistake" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object of a verb or preposition, describing something that happened only once and isn't expected to be repeated. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “a one-time mistake” is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an isolated error. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it’s frequently used in news and media, but also appears in science and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, clarity and accountability are key. Avoid dismissing recurring issues as single incidents and be specific about preventative measures. Alternatives include “an isolated incident” or “a singular error”. Remember, acknowledging a mistake—and taking responsibility—builds trust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an isolated incident

Focuses on the event being singular and not part of a pattern.

a singular error

Emphasizes the uniqueness and infrequency of the error.

an isolated slip-up

Suggests a minor and unintentional error.

a momentary lapse

Highlights the brief duration of the error.

a one-off transgression

Implies a single act that deviates from expected behavior.

a unique slip

Highlights the distinctiveness of the error.

a non-recurring error

Focuses on the absence of repetition.

a chance mishap

Suggests the mistake occurred by accident or chance.

an exceptional failing

Emphasizes that the failure is out of the norm.

a solitary blunder

Indicates a significant but isolated mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "a one-time mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "a one-time mistake" to describe an isolated error, such as: "I hope this is just "a one-time mistake" and won't happen again."

What can I say instead of "a one-time mistake"?

Alternatives to "a one-time mistake" include "an isolated incident", "a singular error", or "an isolated slip-up", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a one-time mistake" in a formal setting?

Yes, "a one-time mistake" can be used in formal settings to acknowledge an error, but it's important to follow up with details about corrective actions and preventative measures.

What's the difference between "a one-time mistake" and "a pattern of mistakes"?

"A one-time mistake" refers to an isolated incident, while "a pattern of mistakes" indicates recurring errors that suggest a systemic problem or lack of attention to detail.