kind of mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"kind of mistake" is correct in written English and can be used when you need to refer to a mistake that is not serious or not too significant.
For example, "It was only a kind of mistake, so I didn't worry too much about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Has there been some kind of mistake?

The New Yorker

"There must have been some kind of mistake".

The New York Times

"The same goes for any kind of mistake".

The New York Times

He is unlikely to make the same kind of mistake.

The Economist

"This is the kind of mistake there's no excuse for.

The New York Times

It is not the kind of mistake Rajoy would make.

The Guardian

"There must have been some kind of mistake," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Yankees have money to spend today, but they will not make that kind of mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

Like Kafka and Kierkegaard, Cheever felt his own existence as a kind of mistake, a sin.

The New Yorker

This kind of mistake is all too common in the trendy field of social entrepreneurship.

The New York Times

I thought it was some kind of mistake," Ai told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of mistake" to downplay the severity of an error, suggesting it's not a major or unusual one. This can soften criticism or show understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of mistake" repeatedly in your writing, as it can sound repetitive and vague. Instead, consider using more specific terms that accurately describe the nature of the error or explore alternatives like "type of error" or "sort of blunder".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific instance or category of error. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of mistake" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an error that is generally not serious or particularly noteworthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in science. While it's a useful phrase for downplaying errors, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more specific alternatives when appropriate, such as "type of error" or "minor error". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "kind of mistake" in your writing while maintaining clarity and avoiding repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

type of error

Focuses on the error's classification or nature rather than the act of making a mistake.

sort of blunder

Highlights the clumsiness or lack of care involved in the mistake.

form of inaccuracy

Emphasizes the lack of precision or correctness in the mistake.

species of fault

Draws attention to the specific nature of the error.

example of oversight

Focuses on the mistake as a result of neglecting to notice something important.

instance of misjudgment

Highlights the poor decision-making that led to the mistake.

degree of failure

Emphasizes the extent to which the action or outcome fell short of expectations.

level of imperfection

Focuses on the deviation from an ideal or standard.

manner of failing

Describes how the error was made, rather than the error itself.

way of erring

Offers a more abstract way of talking about making a mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of mistake" to describe an error that is not particularly serious or significant. For example, "It was the "kind of mistake" that anyone could make."

What are some alternatives to saying "kind of mistake"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "type of error", "sort of blunder", or "minor error".

Is it correct to say "sort of mistake" instead of "kind of mistake"?

"Sort of mistake" is also grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "kind of mistake". Both phrases indicate a non-specific or less significant error.

What's the difference between "kind of mistake" and "serious error"?

"Kind of mistake" implies a less severe error, often one that is easily forgiven or corrected. In contrast, "serious error" suggests a significant blunder with potentially negative consequences.