make a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a mistake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has done something wrong. For example: "John made a mistake when he forgot to submit the report on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes you make a mistake".

The New York Times

Sometimes, I make a mistake".

The New York Times - Sports

You cannot make a mistake".

The New York Times - Arts

Did someone make a mistake?

The Economist

DID she make a mistake?

The New York Times

"Did I make a mistake?

The New York Times - Arts

Make a mistake.

The New York Times - Arts

Make a mistake; horizontal.

The Guardian - Film

Someone is going to make a mistake.

The New York Times

"Make a mistake, then learn from it".

The New York Times - Sports

The referees can make a mistake, too".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When acknowledging a mistake, follow up with an explanation of how you plan to correct it or prevent it from happening again. This shows responsibility and a commitment to improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "make a mistake" as a generic, passive apology without taking ownership. Instead, specify what the mistake was and the steps being taken to rectify it. This conveys sincerity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a mistake" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" acts as a light verb taking "mistake" as its object. It describes the action of performing an action incorrectly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a mistake" is a common and versatile expression used to acknowledge errors or failures. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, from formal news reports to informal discussions. The frequency analysis shows it's widely used in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Wiki", reflecting its broad applicability. While generally neutral, it's important to use the phrase responsibly, taking ownership of the mistake and demonstrating a commitment to learning and improvement. Consider using alternatives like "commit an error" for a more formal tone or "slip up" for minor errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit an error

This alternative replaces "make a mistake" with a more formal expression, using "commit" to emphasize the action of making an error.

err

A concise and direct substitute, "err" is a single-word verb that means to make a mistake or be incorrect.

slip up

"Slip up" suggests a minor or unintentional mistake, often implying a momentary lapse in judgment.

go wrong

"Go wrong" indicates that something has deviated from the correct or intended course, resulting in a mistake or failure.

misstep

"Misstep" indicates a wrong or ill-advised step, action, or decision.

drop the ball

This idiom means to fail to fulfill a responsibility or to make a mistake, particularly in a situation where one is expected to succeed.

miscalculate

This suggests an error in calculation or judgment, often leading to an incorrect outcome.

screw up

An informal way to say "make a mistake", indicating a significant error or failure.

blunder

"Blunder" implies a clumsy or foolish mistake, often with noticeable consequences.

stumble

"Stumble" suggests a mistake made because of clumsiness or lack of skill, whether physical or metaphorical.

FAQs

How can I use "make a mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "make a mistake" to describe an action that results in an error or unintended outcome. For instance, "It's normal to make a mistake when learning a new skill."

What's a more formal alternative to "make a mistake"?

For a more formal tone, you might use phrases like "commit an error" or "err".

Is it always negative to "make a mistake"?

While "make a mistake" generally implies a negative outcome, it can also be framed as a learning opportunity. Acknowledging and correcting mistakes is crucial for growth and improvement.

How do I avoid sounding dismissive when saying "make a mistake"?

To avoid sounding dismissive, follow up with specific details about the mistake and demonstrate a commitment to learning from it. This shows that you understand the consequences and are taking responsibility.