elementary mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elementary mistake" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a basic or simple error that should have been avoided. Example: The scientist's hypothesis was based on an elementary mistake in her calculations, leading to faulty results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It had been years since ETA had made such an elementary mistake.

The New Yorker

By not doing so, Mr. Blaze said, "they made a fairly elementary mistake".

The New York Times - Tech

Maven got better tiles the next game, and the frustrated humans made one elementary mistake.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rather than concentrate on Brand's elementary mistake, though, the fuss was about whether his book should be published.

The Guardian

Minutes later, a police witness made an elementary mistake by referring to previous convictions and the judge declared a mistrial.

The Guardian

Those who truly understand structural chemistry, Pauling told me, would understand that his mistake was based on a sophisticated understanding of chemistry and was not an elementary mistake.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

There were other elementary mistakes.

The New Yorker

"They made elementary mistakes.

The Guardian

Ms. Crier's writing is replete with elementary mistakes.

The New York Times - Books

Why would medical experts make such elementary mistakes?

The Guardian

O'Sullivan was frustrated with his performance and admitted he made too many "elementary" mistakes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elementary mistake" when pointing out an error that stems from a lack of basic knowledge or understanding in a given area.

Common error

While "elementary mistake" is acceptable in many contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "fundamental error" or "basic oversight" in professional or academic writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elementary mistake" functions as a noun phrase, where "elementary" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "mistake". It describes the type of mistake being made, emphasizing its basic or fundamental nature. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elementary mistake" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a basic or fundamental error. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly frequent in news and media contexts. When writing, it's crucial to consider the tone and context: while acceptable in most scenarios, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Avoid overuse and be mindful of the subtle nuances conveyed by related phrases like "basic error" or "simple blunder". Remembering these points will ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic error

Replaces "elementary" with "basic", emphasizing the fundamental nature of the mistake.

careless mistake

Highlights the lack of attention or care that led to the error.

fundamental error

Substitutes "elementary" with "fundamental", highlighting the foundational importance of the error.

simple blunder

Uses "blunder" instead of "mistake", suggesting a more careless or foolish error, while "simple" mirrors "elementary".

negligent error

Suggests that the mistake was caused by a failure to exercise the appropriate level of care.

easily avoidable mistake

Rephrases to emphasize that the mistake could have been easily prevented, clarifying its nature.

unsophisticated mistake

Emphasizes the lack of complexity or subtlety in the error.

rookie mistake

Implies the mistake is typical of someone inexperienced or new to a task.

beginner's mistake

Similar to "rookie mistake", suggesting the error is common among beginners.

oversight

Replaces the whole phrase with a single word indicating a failure to notice something.

FAQs

How to use "elementary mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "elementary mistake" to describe a basic error that should have been easily avoided, such as, "The project failed due to an "elementary mistake" in the initial planning phase".

What can I say instead of "elementary mistake"?

Alternatives include "basic error", "simple blunder", or "fundamental error", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "elementary mistake" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "elementary mistake" may be too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using phrases like "fundamental error" or "basic oversight" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "elementary mistake" and "simple mistake"?

Both phrases refer to basic errors. "Elementary mistake" often implies a mistake resulting from a lack of fundamental knowledge, while "simple mistake" may refer to any easily made error, regardless of the underlying cause.