a simple mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an error that is minor or easily made, often in a context where the mistake is not considered serious. Example: "I apologize for the confusion; it was just a simple mistake in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A simple mistake.

The New York Times

It was a simple mistake.

The New York Times

"A simple mistake was made," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. London framed his client's wrongdoing as a simple mistake.

The New York Times

And this was not a simple mistake by the police.

The Economist

North Brunswick It was, Noor Sial said, a simple mistake.

The New York Times

The White House said the episode was a simple mistake.

The New York Times

I don't think it is a simple mistake.

The Guardian

Unless we made a simple mistake, of course.

The Guardian - Sport

We would not presume to ascribe this difference to a simple mistake in draftsmanship.

Cornell University

Piquet said at the time that his crash was a simple mistake.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When acknowledging "a simple mistake", be direct and take responsibility. Avoid making excuses or shifting blame, as this can undermine your sincerity.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a simple mistake" to minimize errors that have significant consequences. Always consider the impact of the mistake before characterizing it as "simple".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple mistake" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI highlights its use in contexts where errors are being acknowledged or explained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

12%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a simple mistake" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a minor error or oversight. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. It's frequently used in News & Media, reflecting its role in explaining and contextualizing errors across various domains. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the severity of the error. Alternatives like ""a minor oversight"" or ""an easy error"" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy error

Focuses on the lack of difficulty in making the mistake.

a minor oversight

Highlights the aspect of something being overlooked.

a trivial error

Emphasizes the insignificance of the mistake.

a slight slip-up

Implies a momentary lapse in attention or skill.

a forgivable blunder

Suggests that the mistake is easily excused.

a harmless slip

Indicates that the mistake did not cause any damage.

an innocent error

Highlights the lack of malicious intent behind the mistake.

a mere slip

Downplays the importance of the mistake.

a correctable error

Emphasizes that the mistake can be fixed.

a negligible fault

Focuses on the minimal impact of the fault.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple mistake" to describe a minor error, as in "I apologize for the error; it was "a simple mistake" in the calculations".

What are some alternatives to saying "a simple mistake"?

Alternatives include "a minor oversight", "a trivial error", or "an easy error", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call any error "a simple mistake"?

No, it's not. Use "a simple mistake" only for errors that have minimal consequences and are easily rectified. Avoid using it for errors that cause significant harm or require extensive correction.

What's the difference between "a simple mistake" and "a serious error"?

"A simple mistake" refers to a minor, easily correctable error, while "a serious error" implies a significant error with potentially severe consequences. The choice depends on the magnitude of the error and its impact.