making a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when something goes wrong or when someone does something incorrectly. For example: "I was embarrassed when I realized I was making a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Making a mistake?

Independent

"They are making a mistake".

The New York Times

"You're making a mistake, fucker".

The New Yorker

He's making a mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

"The animal is not making a mistake.

The New York Times - Science

Making a mistake could cost you jail.

The New Yorker

And they weren't making a mistake.

The New Yorker

Are they making a mistake?

The Washington Post

Is Dany making a mistake with Daario?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They're just making a mistake," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Am I making a mistake?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing errors, be specific about the type of mistake made. Instead of simply stating someone is "making a mistake", clarify what aspect is incorrect.

Common error

Be careful not to use "making a mistake" too vaguely. Providing context or specifying the nature of the error helps avoid confusion and improves clarity. For example, instead of "They are making a mistake", specify "They are making a mistake in their calculations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a mistake" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It commonly appears as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of committing an error. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making a mistake" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of committing an error. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is widely used across diverse contexts from everyday conversation to formal news reports. This phrase functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within sentences. Understanding its nuances and contexts allows for more precise and effective communication. Remember that being specific about the type of error and avoiding ambiguity are key to using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committing an error

Replaces "mistake" with "error", emphasizing a deviation from correctness.

making a blunder

Substitutes "mistake" with "blunder" to highlight a significant error.

doing something wrong

A more general way of saying "making a mistake".

making an incorrect decision

Focuses specifically on errors in decision-making.

taking a misstep

Conveys making a mistake in a figurative or literal journey.

blundering

Uses a verb to describe the action of making a clumsy or foolish mistake.

miscalculating

Implies an error in judgment or estimation.

slipping up

Describes making a small or unintentional mistake.

erroneously acting

Focuses on the incorrectness of the action performed.

stumbling

Suggests a lack of smoothness or grace in the action, leading to a mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "making a mistake" to describe the act of committing an error. For example, "Everyone is capable of "making a mistake", it's how we learn from them that matters."

What is a more formal way to say "making a mistake"?

A more formal alternative to "making a mistake" could be "committing an error" or "erroneously acting", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "making a mistake" or "committing a mistake"?

Both "making a mistake" and "committing a mistake" are grammatically correct. "Making a mistake" is generally more common and informal, while "committing a mistake" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "making a mistake" and "making an error"?

The phrases "making a mistake" and "making an error" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context.