admitting a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admitting a mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging an error or fault in a situation or decision. Example: "After reviewing the project outcomes, I found myself admitting a mistake in my initial calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

IT'S hard admitting a mistake.

The Economist

She can also drag her heels on admitting a mistake — and has regretted it.

The New York Times

In his book, not admitting a mistake begins with admitting a mistake, then creating an impression of anguished self-scrutiny, which almost immediately dissolves in a shower of equally anguished claims of mitigating circumstances.

The New Yorker

Hard to imagine the case for continuing to exile 600 staff from the campus they serve (other than not wanting to lose face by admitting a mistake).

University of California, Berkeley

You must quickly identify the need for change, explain the change even if it means admitting a mistake or misjudgment, and present the new plan.

Harvard Business Review

But such a step would have required that Trump be capable of considering the possible consequences of arguing with another Gold Star family, admitting a mistake, and resisting his instinct to lash out at anybody who criticizes him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But it has not admitted a mistake.

The Economist

As it turned out, it was, I admit, a mistake.

The Guardian - Sport

"Just like George Bush, John McCain refuses to admit a mistake".

The New York Times

He is extremely reluctant to admit a mistake, even a small one.

The New Yorker

Why has it become impossible to admit a mistake in Washington and accept the consequences?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "admitting a mistake", be specific about what went wrong and avoid vague language. This shows sincerity and helps in identifying the root cause.

Common error

Don't dilute the impact of "admitting a mistake" by immediately shifting blame onto others or external factors. Own the error first, then address contributing factors separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admitting a mistake" functions as a gerund phrase, where "admitting" acts as a noun. It commonly introduces a discussion about acknowledging errors or faults. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "admitting a mistake" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for acknowledging errors or faults. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It serves to convey honesty and accountability across varied contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. While suitable for neutral and professional tones, its essence remains consistent: acknowledging and owning errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledging an error

Focuses on the act of recognizing an error, often in a formal setting. It's more direct and less about the personal act of admitting.

owning your mistake

A concise and direct way of saying you are taking responsibility for an error, popular in business contexts.

owning up to a mistake

Implies taking responsibility for a mistake, highlighting accountability. This is less formal than "acknowledging an error".

confessing a fault

Carries a stronger connotation of guilt and seeking forgiveness. It's more personal and emotional than "admitting a mistake".

taking responsibility for an error

Emphasizes the act of accepting blame and the consequences of the error. It's more formal and focuses on accountability.

accepting blame for a misstep

Highlights the acceptance of responsibility for a mistake and emphasizes the potential consequences.

coming clean about an error

Suggests revealing a hidden mistake, implying honesty and transparency. It's more dramatic than "admitting a mistake".

fessing up to a blunder

A more informal way of admitting a significant mistake, often with a sense of lightheartedness. It's less serious than "admitting a mistake".

taking the heat for a misjudgment

Suggests accepting criticism and consequences for a poor decision or mistake, highlighting the burden of responsibility.

failing to deny your error

It implies to decide to not hide or lie about the error or mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "admitting a mistake" to describe the act of acknowledging an error. For example, "Admitting a mistake is the first step to improvement".

What are some alternatives to "admitting a mistake"?

Alternatives include "acknowledging an error", "owning up to a mistake", or "confessing a fault", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "admitting a mistake" or "admit to a mistake"?

"Admitting a mistake" (gerund phrase) emphasizes the act itself, while "admit to a mistake" (verb phrase) focuses on the action of admitting. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the desired emphasis.

Why is "admitting a mistake" important in professional settings?

"Admitting a mistake" fosters trust, demonstrates accountability, and allows for course correction, all of which are crucial for effective teamwork and leadership.