a sincere mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sincere mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to an honest or unintended error, especially one that causes harm. For example: "The defendant acknowledged making a sincere mistake when he took the wrong item from the store without paying for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He says that it was a "sincere mistake" made by a "decent man" who was "just doing his job".

The New York Times

He praised it for being heartful and stated that what "prevents the episode from seeming artificial or manipulative is that the writing in the episode earns the earnest moments", and further elaborates that while "strong emotions might be the hallmark of 'Stark Raving Dad,' it would be a sincere mistake to ignore how funny it is".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Clanton's lawyer, Robert Grabermann, said that if she e-mailed Hall "at her TPUSA email address, it was an honest oversight and sincere mistake on Ms. Clanton's part.

The New Yorker

He got carried away, for sure, but is that the kind of mistake a sincere apology can't fix?

Vice

"Our goal here is a sincere effort to correct our mistake," said Representative Kevin Brady, the Texas Republican who is a sponsor of the new campaign provision, said in an interview.

The New York Times

When you make a mistake, offer a sincere apology.

WikiHow

At the very least, when brands are called out for crossing the line from appreciation to appropriation, they need to own up to their mistakes and offer a sincere apology.

Huffington Post

But now that she said she was sorry in a sincere way, I'm beginning to see that she made a mistake and is still the love of my life".

Huffington Post

Poe's Law states that "it is impossible to create a parody of extreme views so obviously exaggerated that it cannot be mistaken by some readers or viewers as a sincere expression of the parodied views".

Vice

But if you make a mistake and cross that invisible line, you need to be willing to offer a sincere apology and quickly help reverse the damage, if possible.

WikiHow

Commit to Being Better A sincere apology also includes a commitment to become a better person -- to avoid making the same mistake again.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sincere mistake" when acknowledging an error that occurred despite best efforts or good intentions, rather than due to negligence or malice.

Common error

Avoid using "a sincere mistake" sarcastically or insincerely. This undermines the phrase's intended meaning and can damage your reputation or credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sincere mistake" functions as a noun phrase, with "sincere" modifying the noun "mistake". It characterizes a particular type of error, emphasizing its unintentional and honest nature. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in conveying genuine remorse or acknowledging unintended errors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sincere mistake" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an unintentional and honest error. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing real-world examples from news articles and other reliable sources. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to acknowledge errors while emphasizing a lack of malicious intent. When using this phrase, ensure genuine remorse and a commitment to rectification are conveyed to maintain credibility. While variations like "an honest error" or "a genuine oversight" may fit different contexts, understanding the core meaning of "a sincere mistake" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honest error

Focuses on the lack of deceit or intention behind the mistake.

a bona fide mistake

Stresses the authenticity and genuineness of the mistake.

a genuine oversight

Emphasizes the unintentional neglect or failure to notice something.

a truthful mistake

Focuses on the honesty and lack of deception associated with the error.

an inadvertent error

Stresses the lack of intention or awareness in making the error.

an honest misjudgment

Emphasizes that the mistake was a result of poor judgment, but without malicious intent.

an unintentional blunder

Highlights the accidental and often clumsy nature of the mistake.

a well-intentioned mistake

Highlights that the mistake was made with good intentions, despite the negative outcome.

a candid error

Highlights the openness and honesty associated with the error.

a regrettable mistake

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the error.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sincere mistake" to acknowledge an error made unintentionally. For example: "The error in the report was "a sincere mistake", and we are taking steps to correct it immediately."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an honest error", "a genuine oversight", or "an unintentional blunder".

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

It is appropriate to use "a sincere mistake" when the error was unintentional and made in good faith. It is best used when you want to convey genuine remorse and a commitment to correcting the error.

What's the difference between "a sincere mistake" and "a deliberate error"?

"A sincere mistake" implies an unintentional error made without malice or intent, while "a deliberate error" suggests an intentional and calculated action to cause a mistake.