clumsy mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clumsy mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error that is awkward or inept, often implying a lack of skill or care in making the mistake. Example: "I made a clumsy mistake during the presentation that caused some confusion among the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A clumsy mistake pushes him into the role of a clown in the circus, but, despite his natural talent, it makes for a miserable existence.

Independent

"They made a clumsy mistake back in 1999, and their image was smashed to smithereens," he said, referring to the lawsuits.

The New York Times

Nevertheless it was a clumsy mistake for the boy now cringing on the ground to have been caught on the side of the yard so far from the entrance, a mistake Dylan felt he couldn't forgive.

The New Yorker

A clumsy mistake by Brighton goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak allowed Matt Derbyshire to put Forest ahead with a tame header.

BBC

In the wake of the Orlando nightclub shooting, for instance, Trump said that the killer had been born in Afghanistan, which was either a lie or a clumsy mistake, and darkly insinuated that "there's something going on" with Obama's refusal to say the words "radical Islamic terrorism".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Giants had disappointed plenty with their clumsy mistake-filled home defeat a week earlier to the Tennessee Titans.

The New York Times - Sports

Bloopers or clumsy mistakes are found in design architecture, as well as content presented in a Website.

Web Bloopers 60 Common Web Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

To pleasantly immerse oneself in the American Olympic experience, one must be like Wagner: thrilled and oblivious to all but our most blatantly clumsy mistakes.

The New Yorker

They lacked energy, confidence and cohesion, and were stunned by two goals in the first four minutes after clumsy mistakes by Solo and Kate Markgraf, one of the team's most experienced defenders.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a simulated ward at Kingston University and the nurses are actually performers, transforming typical nursing moves – hooking up drips and donning surgical gloves – into a dance routine, which they repeat over and over, speeding up each time until they fall out of sync and make clumsy mistakes.

The Guardian

It, too, exposes clumsy mistakes and lack of will.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clumsy mistake" to describe errors that are not only incorrect but also awkward or poorly handled, adding a layer of social discomfort to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "clumsy mistake" in highly formal or professional contexts where a more precise or serious term might be more appropriate. Consider the impact and use a word that reflects the gravity of the error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clumsy mistake" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "clumsy" modifies the noun "mistake". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, describing an error marked by awkwardness or ineptitude. This makes it suitable for detailing errors that are not only incorrect but also poorly handled.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clumsy mistake" is a valid and usable English phrase that describes an error characterized by awkwardness or a lack of skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts, although stronger alternatives may be more appropriate in formal settings. While the phrase appears across various sources, including news and media, it's less frequent in academic or business contexts. When using "clumsy mistake", be mindful of the context and consider whether a more precise or formal term would better suit your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward blunder

Replaces "mistake" with "blunder" and "clumsy" with "awkward", suggesting a social misstep alongside the error.

careless error

Focuses on the lack of attention as the cause of the error, replacing "clumsy" with "careless".

foolish oversight

Highlights the lack of wisdom or foresight in making the mistake, replacing "clumsy" with "foolish" and "mistake" with "oversight".

negligent fault

Emphasizes the failure to exercise the appropriate care, using "negligent" instead of "clumsy" and "fault" instead of "mistake".

unskillful error

Directly addresses the lack of skill as the root cause, substituting "clumsy" with "unskillful".

tactless mistake

Highlights the lack of sensitivity in making the mistake. It is appropriate in a social context.

bungled attempt

Suggests a complete failure in execution, replacing both "clumsy" and "mistake" with terms indicating incompetence.

botched job

Similar to "bungled attempt", emphasizing the poor quality of the completed work.

flawed execution

Focuses on the imperfections in the way something was carried out, avoiding direct reference to fault or clumsiness.

unfortunate slip-up

Downplays the severity of the error, presenting it as a minor and unlucky occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "clumsy mistake" to describe an error that is awkward and poorly handled. For example: "A "clumsy mistake" by the goalkeeper cost the team the game."

What are some alternatives to "clumsy mistake"?

Alternatives include "awkward blunder", "careless error", or "foolish oversight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clumsy mistake" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "clumsy mistake" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using stronger or more precise terms like "negligent fault" or "careless error" in those situations.

What does it mean to describe a mistake as "clumsy"?

Describing a mistake as "clumsy" implies that it was not only incorrect but also awkward, poorly handled, or lacking in finesse. It suggests a lack of skill or care in the execution, leading to the error.