careless mistakes

USAGE SUMMARY

"careless mistakes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to mistakes made due to carelessness or lack of attention. For example: "They had to redo the entire project due to careless mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Careless mistakes.

Harvard Business Review

He makes careless mistakes.

The New Yorker

We made careless mistakes".

The Guardian - Sport

The first was simply careless mistakes in calculation.

Cornell University

Maybe they make careless mistakes with their numbers or presentations.

Columbia University

Do you (or your child) often make careless mistakes?

The New York Times - Health

In negotiation, overconfidence can lead us to cut corners and make careless mistakes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"These were careless mistakes, they were avoidable mistakes, but they were unintentional," he said.

Independent

She begins, strangely, with a seemingly hasty introduction that has some careless mistakes.

The New York Times - Books

People usually don't make silly, careless mistakes when they're motivated and working in a positive environment.

The Guardian

Long known as a deft ball handler for his size and position, Anthony has also curtailed careless mistakes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When editing, focus on one aspect at a time (e.g., grammar, punctuation, factual accuracy) to minimize "careless mistakes". This systematic approach helps catch errors that might be overlooked when multitasking.

Common error

Avoid assuming that you won't make errors in tasks you've performed many times. Overfamiliarity can lead to complacency and an increased risk of "careless mistakes". Always double-check your work, regardless of how routine it may seem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careless mistakes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "careless" modifies the noun "mistakes". It describes errors that occur due to a lack of attention or diligence, as exemplified in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

19%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "careless mistakes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe errors resulting from a lack of attention or diligence. Appearing frequently in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To minimize such errors, a systematic approach to proofreading is recommended, especially in familiar tasks where overconfidence can lead to increased risks of "careless mistakes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoidable errors

Focuses on the preventability of the mistakes.

unforced errors

Emphasizes the lack of external pressure causing the errors.

negligent errors

Highlights the lack of proper care or attention.

oversights

Refers to things that were missed or not noticed.

blunders

Implies a more significant and embarrassing mistake.

slips

Suggests minor, often unintentional errors.

lapses in judgment

Focuses on the decision-making aspect of the mistake.

inadvertent errors

Emphasizes the unintentional nature of the errors.

unintentional errors

Mirrors 'inadvertent errors' but with slightly different wording.

preventable errors

Highlights the fact the errors could have been avoided

FAQs

How can I avoid "careless mistakes" in my writing?

To minimize "careless mistakes", implement a systematic proofreading process. Focus on one aspect at a time, such as grammar, punctuation, or factual accuracy. Taking breaks and reviewing your work with fresh eyes can also help.

What are some synonyms for "careless mistakes"?

Alternatives to "careless mistakes" include "avoidable errors", "unforced errors", "negligent errors", and "oversights" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "careless mistakes" or "unintentional errors"?

Both "careless mistakes" and "unintentional errors" are valid, but "careless mistakes" implies a lack of attention or diligence, while "unintentional errors" simply means the mistakes were not deliberate. Choose the phrase that best reflects the cause of the errors.

What's the difference between "careless mistakes" and "honest mistakes"?

"Careless mistakes" result from a lack of attention or focus, while "honest mistakes" typically stem from misunderstanding or incomplete information. The key distinction lies in whether the error was preventable with greater care.