find mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find mistake" is not correct in standard written English.
It should be "find the mistake" to be grammatically accurate. Example: "Please review the document and find the mistake in the calculations."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sometimes I find mistakes and I call the translator.

The Guardian - Books

I didn't comb through the book to find mistakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We must try to find mistakes in what we are doing, and correct them.

The New York Times

"That was it?" "It wasn't like talking to someone who was trying to find mistakes," she said.

The New Yorker

The Obama administration is expected to announce new rules later this year that would allow consumers who find mistakes in their reports to contact the creditors directly.

The New York Times

It changed the way I read prose — I was paid to find mistakes, and it was a long time before I could once again read for pleasure.

The New Yorker

After the 6,000-copy 6,000-copyting sold out in weeks, there was little time firstorrections before the next 25,000-coprintinging, he sold, soute asked readers to help find mistakes.

The New York Times

Are they solving problems one through 20 in a textbook to prepare for the next exam, or are they completing complex individualized projects and working with others to find mistakes and meet deadlines?

The New York Times

Board officials say tens of thousands of ballots for today's primary could be cast on paper, including some filed by voters who find mistakes in their registration information.

The New York Times

And people do find mistakes, Eisen says.

Science Magazine

Chartered financial analysts, for instance, have an obligation to admit fault if they find mistakes in their work.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When talking about mistakes in general, use "find a mistake". For example, "Always double-check your work to find a mistake before submitting it."

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "a" or "the" before "mistake". Saying "find mistake" is grammatically incorrect. Always specify whether you are looking for a particular mistake ("find the mistake") or any mistake ("find a mistake").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find mistake" functions as an action-object construction, where "find" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI points out that omitting the article before "mistake" results in a grammatically incorrect phrase in standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find mistake" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. According to Ludwig AI, it's more appropriate to use "find a mistake" or "find the mistake", depending on the context. While examples do exist across various sources, they don't legitimize the grammatically flawed construction. Remember to include the article to ensure grammatical correctness. Consider alternatives such as "detect error" or "identify the mistake" for enhanced clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify the mistake

Emphasizes pinpointing the specific error among other possibilities.

pinpoint the mistake

Emphasizes precision and accuracy in identifying the specific mistake.

spot the error

Suggests a quick or casual observation of the mistake.

detect error

Focuses on the detection aspect, suggesting a more technical or analytical approach.

determine the error

Focuses on ascertaining or establishing the existence of the mistake.

uncover fault

Implies revealing a hidden or less obvious error.

locate the inaccuracy

Suggests physically or methodically finding where the "mistake" resides.

reveal inaccuracy

Highlights the act of making an inaccuracy known.

diagnose the error

Implies a formal or expert assessment to identify the mistake.

discover the problem

Broadens the scope to any type of issue, not specifically a "mistake".

FAQs

How can I properly use "find a mistake" in a sentence?

Use "find a mistake" when referring to discovering any error in general. For example, "It's important to proofread your work to "find a mistake" before submitting it.".

When should I use "find the mistake" instead of "find a mistake"?

Use "find the mistake" when referring to a specific, known error that you are trying to locate. For example, "The editor asked the author to "find the mistake" on page 52.".

What are some alternatives to saying "find a mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "spot an error", "detect a fault", or "identify an issue" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "find mistake" without an article?

No, it is generally not correct. You should use either "find a mistake" or "find the mistake", depending on whether you are referring to any error in general or a specific, known error.