commit a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

'commit a mistake' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making an error, blunder, or some other type of mistake. For example: Even the most experienced professionals can commit a mistake from time to time.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tell your friend to let you know whenever you commit a mistake in pronouncing it.

WikiHow

Whenever we commit a mistake the most common approach that we take is complete denial of having committed it in the first place or else we just swallow the entire issue and try to forget it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then the Steelers committed a mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, she committed a mistake really," Jehani said.

The Guardian

In its S.E.C. settlement, Goldman acknowledged that its marketing materials "contained incomplete information," and that it committed "a mistake" in leaving the full disclosures out of its marketing documents.

The New York Times

"I call upon those who have been misled or committed a mistake to lay down arms and join their people and security forces in order to liberate their cities," he said in Samarra.

Independent

But a defense lawyer, in his own closing argument, said the officer, Francisco Rosario, was nothing more than a frightened policeman who committed a mistake, not a crime, by giving bad information to the agents.

The New York Times

"We believe that the public prosecutor commits a mistake in his report by understanding otherwise … Given the seriousness of the facts … we will act with determination in defence of the honour of Barcelona and its president".

The Guardian - Sport

As more people travel farther, whether for business or pleasure, confusion about tipping and anxiety about committing a mistake have been prompting tipping experts like Mr. Lynn to reassure travelers about the protocol.

The New York Times

"I call upon those who have been misled or committed a mistake to lay down arms and join their people and security forces in order to liberate their cities," he said on Sunday during a news conference in Samarra, 60 miles north of Baghdad.

Independent

It is not the first time the police have committed a mistake that resulted in the death of a black person, and days later, it proved not to be the last, when a plainclothes officer shot and killed an unarmed African immigrant at a storage warehouse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the nature of the mistake use an adjective before the word "mistake" (i.e.: "commit a costly mistake", "commit a serious mistake")

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing the phrase "commit a mistake". Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "err" or "make an error" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit a mistake" functions as a verb phrase, where "commit" is the verb and "a mistake" is the object. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is usable and correct in written English. It typically describes the act of making an error or blunder.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commit a mistake" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of making an error. While it's considered valid by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare and might benefit from substitution with stronger synonyms such as "err" in more formal settings. The phrase appears across a variety of sources including news, wiki, and scientific publications, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, be aware of the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an error

Focuses on the act of making an error, with a slightly more formal tone.

err

A more concise and formal way to say "commit a mistake".

blunder

Implies a significant mistake, often due to carelessness.

make a blunder

Similar to "blunder", emphasizing the act of making a significant mistake.

misstep

Suggests a mistake in judgment or action, often with negative consequences.

slip up

Suggests a minor, often unintentional mistake.

stumble

Implies a temporary lapse in judgment or skill.

drop the ball

An idiom suggesting a failure to fulfill a responsibility or task.

miscalculate

Specifically refers to making a mistake in calculation or judgment.

goof up

An informal way to say "commit a mistake", often implying a silly or clumsy error.

FAQs

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

You can use "commit a mistake" to describe the act of making an error, such as, "Even experts can "commit a mistake" from time to time".

What are some alternatives to "commit a mistake"?

Alternatives include "make an error", "err", or "blunder", depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it better to say "commit a mistake" or "make a mistake"?

Both are acceptable, but "make a mistake" is more common and generally preferred in everyday conversation. "Commit a mistake" can sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "commit a mistake" and "make a blunder"?

"Commit a mistake" is a general term for making an error. "Make a blunder" implies a more significant or careless mistake.