is mistaken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is mistaken" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It implies that someone is wrong or has a misunderstanding about something. You can use "is mistaken" in various situations, such as: 1. When correcting someone's statement or belief: "I think you are mistaken about the due date for the project. It's actually next Monday." 2. When expressing disbelief or disagreement: "He is mistaken if he thinks he can finish the report in just one day." 3. When acknowledging and correcting one's own mistake: "I apologize for my previous email. I was mistaken about the conference date." 4. When clarifying a misunderstanding: "Just to clear things up, our company policy is different from what you were told. You were mistaken about the vacation days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She is mistaken.

The New York Times

This is mistaken.

The Economist

That is mistaken.

The New York Times

The effort is mistaken.

The New Yorker

He is mistaken.

The New Yorker

Alavian is mistaken about that.

The New Yorker

This leisurely approach is mistaken.

The Economist

This starstruck fatalism is mistaken.

The Economist

The first view is mistaken.

The New York Times

This, Piketty demonstrates, is mistaken.

The Guardian - Books

There, he is mistaken.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is mistaken", ensure that you provide a clear and specific explanation of why the statement is incorrect. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the correction is well-understood.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "is mistaken" without providing context or a reason. This can come across as dismissive or condescending. Always explain the error and provide the correct information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is mistaken" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a state of error or incorrectness. It asserts that someone's belief, understanding, or statement is factually inaccurate. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common construction for correcting or disagreeing with a viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is mistaken" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something is incorrect or based on a misunderstanding. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts. As detailed in this guide, it's crucial to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity or appearing dismissive. Alternatives such as "is incorrect" or "is wrong" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase appears frequently in "News & Media" and scientific sources, demonstrating its versatility across different writing styles. Remember to use "is mistaken" thoughtfully and provide the necessary clarification to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is incorrect

Direct synonym, implying a factual error.

is wrong

Simple and direct synonym.

is in error

More formal way of saying something is wrong.

is misguided

Suggests the person is acting on flawed reasoning.

is inaccurate

Emphasizes a lack of precision or correctness.

is fallacious

Highlights a flaw in logic or reasoning.

is unfounded

Suggests a lack of evidence or support.

is off base

Informal way of saying something is completely wrong.

is a fallacy

Identifies the statement as a logical error.

is a misjudgment

Indicates a poor decision or assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "is mistaken" in a sentence?

You can use "is mistaken" to correct someone's statement or belief, express disagreement, acknowledge your own error, or clarify a misunderstanding. For example, "He "is mistaken" if he thinks he can finish the report in one day."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "is mistaken"?

Alternatives include "is incorrect", "is wrong", "is in error", or "is misguided". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is mistaken" or "was mistaken"?

"Is mistaken" is used for present tense or general statements, while "was mistaken" is used for past tense situations. For example, "He "is mistaken" about the current policy" versus "He "was mistaken" about the policy last year."

What is the difference between "is mistaken" and "is wrong"?

While both phrases indicate an error, "is mistaken" often implies a misunderstanding or unintentional error, whereas "is wrong" can be used more broadly to indicate any kind of incorrectness. "He "is mistaken" about the details" suggests he misunderstood something, while "He "is wrong" to assume that" suggests a flawed premise.