factual mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "factual mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an error that is based on incorrect information or facts. Example: "The report contained a factual mistake regarding the date of the event, which led to confusion among the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was a factual mistake for "60 Minutes" and others to present it as an F.B.I. versus C.I.A. issue.

The New Yorker

And if by any chance you make a factual mistake, you need to correct the record as quickly as possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Decisions are reversed on appeal only if the editors are convinced that the original decision was a factual mistake.

Nature

An Army investigation concluded in August that Private Beauchamp's reports were false, but aside from acknowledging one factual mistake, the soldier continued to insist they were true.

The New York Times

But this problematic analysis pales next to the factual mistake that I made twice in regard to Texas's stingy welfare state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Guzek alleges that the Oregon Supreme Court made a factual mistake, and claims that the mother's testimony was also offered and received during the guilt phase of the trial.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Journalists will be eager to correct factual mistakes, says Ritter.

Nature

"There are so many factual mistakes in his report.

The Guardian - Sport

Mrs Bachmann has a record of making factual mistakes, repeating untruths and adopting preposterous stances.

The Economist

The tea-party stalwart and former presidential candidate had a reputation for factual mistakes.

The Economist

We told Trafigura that we would correct any factual mistakes if it could prove us wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When correcting a "factual mistake", provide verifiable evidence from a reliable source to support the correction. This helps maintain credibility and avoid further inaccuracies.

Common error

Avoid presenting personal beliefs or interpretations as "factual mistakes". A genuine "factual mistake" can be objectively proven wrong with evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "factual mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies an error based on incorrect or untrue information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science & Research

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "factual mistake" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe an error based on inaccurate information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely frequent, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. To enhance your writing, remember to provide evidence when correcting a "factual mistake" and avoid confusing personal opinions with demonstrable errors. Alternative phrases like "factual error" or "incorrect fact" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factual error

Replaces "mistake" with "error", a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

incorrect fact

Uses "incorrect" instead of "factual" to emphasize the error's nature.

erroneous information

Shifts the focus from the "mistake" to the "information" being incorrect, altering the sentence structure.

inaccurate detail

Specifies that the mistake is in a "detail", making the error more specific.

falsehood

A more direct term for something untrue, differing slightly in tone and intensity.

untruth

Another direct synonym for something not true, similar to "falsehood".

misinformation

Implies the information is misleading, differing slightly from a simple mistake.

blunder of fact

Emphasizes the seriousness of the mistake by using "blunder".

oversight in fact

Suggests the mistake was unintentional by using "oversight".

lapse in accuracy

Highlights a temporary failure in being accurate, offering a nuanced difference.

FAQs

How can I correct a "factual mistake" in my writing?

To correct a "factual mistake", identify the error, verify the correct information from a reliable source, and then clearly and concisely update your writing with the accurate fact. If possible, cite the source you used to verify the correction.

What are some common causes of a "factual mistake"?

Common causes include relying on outdated information, misinterpreting data, misquoting sources, or simply overlooking details during research. Double-checking your sources is crucial to avoid these errors.

What's the difference between a "factual mistake" and an opinion?

A "factual mistake" is an error that can be proven wrong with evidence, while an opinion is a personal belief or judgment that cannot be definitively proven or disproven. For example, claiming that the Earth is flat is a "factual mistake", while saying chocolate ice cream is the best flavor is an opinion.

What can I say instead of "factual mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "factual error", "incorrect fact", or "erroneous information" depending on the context.