deliberate mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deliberate mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an intentional error that someone has made. For example, "He made a deliberate mistake in the project in order to slow down his progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Did I ever make a deliberate mistake, did I ever deliberately transform a negative into a positive?

The New York Times

Incidentally, as explained here, this was a deliberate mistake on behalf of the show's producers.

The Guardian - Sport

"This was a deliberate mistake," he said of the decision to invade.

The Guardian

So: do we treat this as a coincidence or a deliberate mistake, or just a mistake?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That decision became my Deliberate Mistake, and it was the best mistake I ever made.

The New York Times

"So each rug contains 'The Deliberate Mistake.' " My father was almost as enigmatic as the rugs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Gunther, "The Wisdom of Deliberate Mistakes," Harvard Business Review 84, no.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But users were still discussing the article by using deliberate mistakes like "2.7b".

The New York Times

They may need to make deliberate mistakes to test the limits of their knowledge".

The New York Times

Now commenters, please feel free to correct all my deliberate mistakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The students were fully aware of the recording and the video included deliberate mistakes as well as good practice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deliberate mistake" when you want to emphasize that an error was not accidental but intentionally made. This can add nuance when discussing strategy, ethics, or artistic choices.

Common error

Avoid using "deliberate mistake" when you actually mean an 'honest mistake' or unintentional error. The key difference lies in the intent behind the error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deliberate mistake" functions as a noun phrase where 'deliberate' modifies the noun 'mistake'. It describes a specific type of error that is intentional. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deliberate mistake" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that denotes an intentional error. As Ludwig AI notes, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Academia. While frequently used, it is important to distinguish it from an honest mistake, as the former carries the connotation of intent. Related phrases, such as "intentional error" or "calculated error", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Whether in strategic analysis, ethical discussions, or artistic expression, understanding the nuanced use of "deliberate mistake" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentional error

Focuses on the intent behind the error, similar to "deliberate mistake".

calculated error

Emphasizes the planning or calculation involved in making the mistake.

purposeful blunder

Highlights the intended outcome or purpose behind the blunder.

willful oversight

Suggests a conscious decision to overlook something, leading to a mistake.

conscious fault

Directly states the awareness of the fault being committed.

premeditated error

Implies the error was planned or considered beforehand.

designed flaw

Emphasizes that the flaw was intentionally incorporated into something.

orchestrated failure

Suggests that the failure was carefully arranged or planned.

contrived error

Highlights the artificial or fabricated nature of the error.

engineered mishap

Implies the mishap was carefully created or arranged.

FAQs

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

You can use "deliberate mistake" to describe an action where an error was intentionally made, such as, "The politician's "deliberate mistake" during the debate was a calculated move to gain attention".

What's the difference between "deliberate mistake" and "honest mistake"?

A ""deliberate mistake"" is intentional, while an honest mistake is unintentional. The former implies a purpose or motive, whereas the latter is accidental.

Are there situations where making a "deliberate mistake" is acceptable?

In some fields, like art or comedy, a ""deliberate mistake"" can be used for effect. In business or personal relationships, it's generally viewed negatively unless there's a clear, justifiable reason.

What are some alternative phrases to "deliberate mistake"?

Alternatives include "intentional error", "calculated error", or "purposeful blunder", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.