it would be a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be a mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an opinion that a certain action or decision would lead to an undesirable outcome. Example: "If we decide to cut the budget for this project, it would be a mistake that could jeopardize our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"However, it would be a mistake to rush its building," he said.

BBC

It would be a mistake".

The New York Times

I think it would be a mistake".

The Guardian

It would be a mistake to imitate Sinan".

The New York Times

It would be a mistake to expect instant results.

The Economist

But it would be a mistake to underrate him.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet it would be a mistake to underestimate it.

The Economist

Here it would be a mistake to be too sanguine.

The Economist

But it would be a mistake to be too pessimistic.

The Economist

"It would be a mistake to pre-emptively strike".

The New York Times

But others say it would be a mistake.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it would be a mistake", follow it with a clear explanation of why the action is undesirable. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it would be a mistake" as a standalone statement. Always clarify the potential negative consequences of the action you're critiquing to make your point more persuasive and understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be a mistake" functions as an evaluative expression. It is used to convey the speaker's belief that a particular action or decision is likely to result in negative consequences. Ludwig examples show this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it would be a mistake" is a versatile phrase used to express the opinion that a particular action is likely to lead to undesirable outcomes. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, it's best to provide specific reasons why the action is considered a mistake to enhance clarity and persuasiveness. While alternatives like "it would be unwise" and "it would be an error" exist, the core message remains consistent: advising against a potentially flawed decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be unwise

Changes the adjective from "mistake" to "unwise", softening the tone while retaining the core meaning of inadvisability.

it would be ill-advised

Replaces "mistake" with "ill-advised", emphasizing the lack of careful consideration behind the action.

it would be imprudent

Substitutes "mistake" with "imprudent", highlighting the potential risks and lack of caution involved.

it would be an error

Uses "error" instead of "mistake", offering a more formal and direct assessment of the action's correctness.

it would be a blunder

Replaces "mistake" with "blunder", suggesting a more significant and embarrassing error.

it would be a faux pas

Uses the French term "faux pas" instead of "mistake", referring specifically to a social blunder or breach of etiquette.

it would be regrettable

Shifts the focus to the negative feeling that would arise from the action, rather than the error itself.

it would be counterproductive

Highlights the ineffectiveness of the action, suggesting it would hinder rather than help achieve the desired outcome.

it would be self-defeating

Emphasizes that the action would ultimately harm the person or group undertaking it.

it's not a good idea

Offers a more informal and general expression of disapproval or warning against the action.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be a mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "it would be a mistake" to express that a certain action or decision could lead to undesirable outcomes. For example, "If we decide to cut the budget for this project, "it would be a mistake" that could jeopardize our success."

What are some alternatives to saying "it would be a mistake"?

You can use alternatives such as "it would be unwise", "it would be an error", or "it would be ill-advised" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "it would be a mistake" and "it would be unwise"?

"It would be a mistake" suggests a more definitive error in judgment, while "it would be unwise" implies a lack of prudence or careful consideration. The latter is generally a softer, less critical assessment.

Is "it would be a mistake to" followed by a gerund or an infinitive?

"It would be a mistake to" is followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive without "to"). For example, "It would be a mistake to underestimate the challenge" is correct.