make a mistake with

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a mistake with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to making an error with something, usually a task or a process. For example, "I made a mistake with the measuring cup and added too much flour to the recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

You can't make a mistake with him.

The New York Times - Magazine

You don't watch them make a mistake with one thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I didn't make a mistake with this guy".

The New Yorker

"But I genuinely don't think you can make a mistake with him".

The New York Times - Sports

He can hit with power if you make a mistake with a breaking ball.

The New York Times - Sports

"If I make a mistake," he said, "I have to make a mistake with my fastball".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Guliyev made a mistake with 22 Na5.

The New York Times

Is Dany making a mistake with Daario?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He made a mistake with 38... Kd7, which lost a pawn.

The New York Times

"However I have made a mistake with my electricity claims.

Independent

Karjakin also made a mistake with 31... Rf8.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a mistake with", consider the specific context to ensure the preposition 'with' accurately reflects the object or situation where the mistake occurs. Be precise in identifying what the mistake was made in relation to.

Common error

Avoid using "make a mistake with" when a different preposition better suits the context. For example, use "make a mistake in" when referring to a specific action or process where the error occurred, rather than the object itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a mistake with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of committing an error in relation to a specific object, person, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

13%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a mistake with" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the act of committing an error when dealing with something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as academic and general writing. When using the phrase, ensure the preposition "with" accurately reflects the object or situation where the mistake occurs. Consider alternatives such as "err in handling" or "slip up concerning" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an error in

Focuses on the occurrence of an error.

be wrong about

Highlights inaccuracy in judgement or assessment of a situation.

err in handling

Focuses on the act of making an error while managing or dealing with something.

slip up concerning

Indicates a minor error or oversight in relation to a particular subject.

miscalculate

Implies an error in calculation or assessment leading to a wrong outcome.

blunder regarding

Emphasizes a significant error or foolish mistake about something.

misjudge regarding

Focuses on making a wrong assessment or evaluation of someone or something.

mishandle in connection with

Highlights the improper or ineffective management of something.

fumble with

Suggests clumsiness or awkwardness in handling something, leading to a mistake.

drop the ball on

Idiomatic phrase indicating a failure to fulfill a responsibility or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a mistake with" to indicate an error related to a specific task, object, or person. For example, "You can't "make a mistake with" him" or "If I "make a mistake with" my kids, I sit down and I say I'm going to have to be a better dad".

What are some alternatives to "make a mistake with"?

Alternatives include "err in handling", "slip up concerning", or "blunder regarding" depending on the context and the severity of the mistake.

Is it better to say "make a mistake in" or "make a mistake with"?

The choice depends on the context. "Make a mistake in" is generally used for actions or processes (e.g., "make a mistake in the calculation"), while "make a mistake with" is used for objects or people (e.g., "make a mistake with the ingredients", "make a mistake with a customer").

What does it mean to "make a mistake with" something?

To ""make a mistake with"" something means to commit an error while using, handling, or dealing with that thing. This could involve misusing resources, mismanaging a task, or making a wrong decision that affects the object or person in question.