made some missteps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made some missteps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe instances where someone has made mistakes or errors in judgment. Example: "During the project, the team made some missteps that led to delays in the final delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But Mr. Cameron has made some missteps.

The New York Times

But it has made some missteps.

The New York Times

We made some missteps, however.

Harvard Business Review

"Have we made some missteps?

The New York Times

"He's made some missteps that we all make in public life," he said.

The New York Times

In the Chen case, the administration may have made some missteps, but the solution — to let him enter the United States as a student — seems a good one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

This small, pungent movie makes some missteps.

The New York Times

I am still trying to figure out my son's stories and am sure that I will make some missteps.

The New York Times

Although the kitchen makes some missteps, the unique location and value of the Pond House Café make it a real find.

The New York Times

Long-term goals can withstand minor setbacks, so look at the big picture and give yourself the latitude to make some missteps along the way.

Harvard Business Review

He will no doubt make some missteps — two days after he started tweeting, he caused an uproar when he called Britain a "broke country" — but in general, his embrace of social media has gone well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made some missteps", follow it with a brief explanation or example to provide context and clarity. For example, "The company made some missteps in its initial marketing campaign, leading to lower-than-expected sales."

Common error

While "made some missteps" softens the impact of admitting mistakes, avoid excessive use of euphemisms. Be direct when clarity is crucial, such as in formal reports or critical feedback. Consider more direct alternatives like "made errors" or "committed mistakes" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made some missteps" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of committing errors or mistakes. It's a softened way of admitting fault, and as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made some missteps" is a common and grammatically correct way to acknowledge errors or mistakes. It is considered a neutral expression, suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news and media, as indicated by Ludwig. While it softens the admission of fault, clarity is key, and more direct alternatives might be preferable in formal settings. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is usable in written English to convey that mistakes have been made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committed errors

A more formal and direct way of saying "made some missteps", useful in professional contexts.

slipped up

Highlights a careless mistake or oversight.

stumbled a bit

Emphasizes a loss of balance or poise, implying a temporary setback.

mishandled the situation

Focuses on the ineffective management or handling of a particular circumstance.

erred slightly

Focuses on a minor deviation from correctness, suggesting a small mistake.

made a blunder

Suggests a significant mistake, potentially with negative consequences.

took a wrong turn

Suggests a deviation from the correct path or strategy.

acted unwisely

Focuses on the lack of good judgment in the actions taken.

showed poor judgment

Highlights the deficiency in decision-making abilities.

dropped the ball

An idiomatic expression indicating failure to fulfill a responsibility or expectation.

FAQs

What does "made some missteps" mean?

The phrase "made some missteps" means that someone has made some mistakes or errors in judgment. It is a softened way to acknowledge that errors occurred.

How can I use "made some missteps" in a sentence?

You can use "made some missteps" to describe situations where mistakes were made, for example: "The project team "made some missteps" during the planning phase, resulting in delays."

What are some alternatives to "made some missteps"?

Alternatives include "committed errors", "made mistakes", or "erred", depending on the context and the severity of the mistake.

Is "made some missteps" too informal for professional writing?

While "made some missteps" is acceptable in many contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "committed errors" or "demonstrated poor judgment" in highly formal or critical professional settings.