clearly mistaken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearly mistaken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has made an obvious error or misunderstanding about a particular subject or situation. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it became apparent that the witness was clearly mistaken about the events that took place that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This belief is clearly mistaken.

The Washington Post

2011's Ceremonials contained more ghosts than a Derek Acorah script, and considering Flo has previously admitted to believing in vampires, she's clearly mistaken Twilight for Love Island.

The Guardian - Music

But the White House chief of staff, Andrew H. Card Jr., said on "Fox News Sunday" that Mrs. Clinton was "clearly mistaken".

The New York Times

But Americans are clearly mistaken if they believe they live in the world's most mobile society.Back to the 1880sThis is not the first time that America has looked as if it was about to succumb to what might be termed the British temptation.

The Economist

Certainly there seems to be some evidence that knife users are getting younger (but then the peak average age for crime has been creeping down for some time), but the thing that really seems to have fuelled this classic moral panic has been several very high-profile celebrity connections and a couple of clearly mistaken identities.

The Guardian - Opinion

When an overwhelming consensus now exists on the necessity of public investment to support weakened economies – from the CBI to the TUC to international organisations such as the IMF and the OECD – it was clearly mistaken for the chancellor to pursue major cuts in investment, which is now scheduled to fall until the end of the decade.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A group of elderly Tibetans in musty clothes, clearly mistaking the galleries for a shrine, touched their heads to exhibition cases and rubbed their prayer beads over light panels and antiquities.

The New York Times - Travel

Another, which clearly mistook me for being Jewish, ranted for a while and then said: "What a wonderful planet it would be if there was not one jew living and screwing up our lives".

The New York Times

4.00pm BST "Any chance of a big front page photo of Froome in the Guardian?," asks Russell Miller, clearly mistaking me for someone who has any power in these here halls.

The Guardian - Sport

Clearly, mistakes have been made.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Clearly, mistakes have been made," Cashman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clearly mistaken" to politely but firmly point out an obvious error without being overly critical. It's suitable for professional and academic contexts where directness is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "clearly mistaken" when addressing matters of opinion or personal preference. Reserve it for situations where objective facts are demonstrably wrong, so don't say something like: "His taste in music is clearly mistaken".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearly mistaken" functions as an evaluative expression, where the adverb "clearly" intensifies the adjective "mistaken", emphasizing the obvious nature of the error. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clearly mistaken" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate an obvious error or misunderstanding. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and utility, highlighting its prevalence in neutral contexts such as news and media, and academic writing. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in subjective discussions, as well as in more sensitive situations. Alternative phrases like "patently wrong" or "obviously incorrect" can be employed for similar effect while varying the tone slightly. The choice depends on the specific situation and the desired level of directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently wrong

Emphasizes the obvious and undeniable nature of the error.

obviously incorrect

Highlights the evident lack of correctness.

plainly in error

Focuses on the straightforward and unambiguous nature of the mistake.

demonstrably false

Stresses that the inaccuracy can be proven.

undeniably wrong

Highlights that error can not be denied.

evidently misguided

Suggests that the action or belief was based on faulty reasoning.

distinctly inaccurate

Highlights the sharp and clear inaccuracy.

blatantly off-base

Emphasizes the obvious misjudgment, especially in predictions or assumptions.

categorically untrue

Highlights that the statement can't be considered as true.

completely fallacious

Stresses the logical error or deception.

FAQs

How can I use "clearly mistaken" in a sentence?

Use "clearly mistaken" to indicate someone is obviously wrong about a fact. For example: "The witness was "clearly mistaken" about the car's color".

What is a more formal way to say "clearly mistaken"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "patently wrong" or "demonstrably false". These emphasize the undeniable nature of the error.

Is "clearly mistaken" stronger than just saying "mistaken"?

Yes, "clearly mistaken" adds emphasis, indicating the error is obvious and easily verifiable, versus a simple "mistaken" which might suggest a more understandable or excusable error.

When should I avoid using the phrase "clearly mistaken"?

Avoid using "clearly mistaken" in highly sensitive or subjective contexts where direct correction might be seen as rude or dismissive. Instead, opt for gentler phrasing.