common mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"common mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a mistake that many people make. For example: Failing to back up important computer files is a common mistake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A distressingly common mistake.

The New York Times

This is another common mistake.

Harvard University

A common mistake; make it "best-known".

The New York Times

It is a surprisingly common mistake.

The New York Times

This is a common mistake among graduates.

The Guardian

Not looking natural is another common mistake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was a very common mistake.

Harvard Business Review

Another common mistake is to be nervous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is a very common mistake.

The Washington Post

So people made a common mistake: They consistently underestimated her.

The New York Times - Style

The President is making a common mistake here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common mistake", provide specific examples to clarify the mistake and help readers avoid it. For instance, instead of just saying "A common mistake is not backing up your data", elaborate by saying "A common mistake is not backing up your data regularly, which can lead to data loss in case of hardware failure or cyberattacks."

Common error

Avoid using "common mistake" as a vague criticism. Instead, follow it with concrete details about what the mistake is and why it matters. For example, don't just say "A common mistake is rushing through the process." Instead, specify: "A common mistake is rushing through the process without proper planning, leading to inefficiencies and errors."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common mistake" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies a particular action or belief as one that is frequently erroneous. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

32%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common mistake" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that identifies frequent errors or oversights. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts. Its purpose is often educational or cautionary, aiming to highlight pitfalls and guide readers. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, making it suitable for both informal and formal communication. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki articles. While alternatives like "typical error" and "frequent blunder" exist, "common mistake" remains a versatile and straightforward choice. Remember to provide specifics when using this phrase to maximize its impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Typical error

Focuses on the error being typical or expected.

Frequent blunder

Emphasizes the frequency of the mistake and suggests clumsiness.

Widespread oversight

Highlights the oversight aspect of the mistake and its prevalence.

Prevailing misconception

Shifts the focus to a mistaken belief that is widely held.

General pitfall

Indicates a common danger or difficulty to avoid.

Standard slip-up

Focuses on the mistake as a lapse or unintentional error that is standard.

Routine misstep

Highlights the routine or ordinary nature of the error.

Familiar failing

Points out a weakness or flaw that is commonly encountered.

Ordinary lapse

Emphasizes the ordinariness of the failure or error.

Classic blunder

Focuses on the mistake being a classic or well-known error.

FAQs

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

You can use "common mistake" to introduce an error or oversight that many people make. For example, "A "common mistake" is to assume correlation equals causation."

What are some alternatives to "common mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "typical error", "frequent blunder", or "widespread oversight" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "common mistake" and "common misconception"?

"Common mistake" refers to an action or error that people frequently make, while "common misconception" refers to a belief or idea that is often incorrect. For example, a "common mistake" is forgetting to save your work, while a "common misconception" is that the Earth is flat.

Is it redundant to say "very common mistake"?

While "common" already implies that something occurs frequently, using "very common mistake" can add emphasis. However, ensure that the emphasis is necessary, as it might sometimes be seen as slightly redundant. A better approach could be rephrasing the sentence to highlight the consequences of the mistake.