making mistakes

USAGE SUMMARY

"making mistakes" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a person putting effort into something with the understanding that errors may occur in the process. For example, "I'm not afraid of making mistakes because it's part of learning and growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And learning means making mistakes.

The New York Times

Collier acknowledged making mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

She is making mistakes.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm still making mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody is making mistakes".

The New York Times - Sports

So, let's keep making "mistakes"!

Princeton University

Real mathematicians are constantly making mistakes.

The New York Times

She kept making mistakes, defeating herself.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I learned by making mistakes.

The New York Times

Making mistakes, wiping them off.

The New Yorker

That's the key: making mistakes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "making mistakes", focus on understanding the root cause and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Common error

Avoid framing "making mistakes" as a sign of inadequacy or failure. Instead, view them as valuable learning opportunities that contribute to overall improvement and resilience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making mistakes" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, reflecting the reality that errors are inherent in human activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making mistakes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression in English, applicable across various contexts, from casual conversation to academic discourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and useful phrase. Its primary function is to acknowledge imperfection, normalize learning, and encourage action without the paralysis of perfectionism.

Analysis of example sentences reveals that the phrase frequently appears in news and media, reflecting discussions about human error in sports, politics, and personal development. While it maintains a neutral register, it leans slightly toward the informal due to its straightforward language. When aiming for more formal tone alternatives such as "committing errors" can be considered.

Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "making mistakes" empowers writers and speakers to communicate effectively about the realities of human fallibility and the importance of learning from our experiences. Don't be afraid of errors; learn from them!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committing errors

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the action of performing an error.

getting it wrong

This alternative is a general and simple way to describe making a mistake.

slipping up

This alternative is more informal and suggests a minor error.

blundering

This alternative suggests a clumsy or careless type of mistake.

erring

This alternative is a formal and less common way to say "making mistakes".

goofing up

This alternative is very informal and suggests a silly or careless mistake.

miscalculating

This alternative focuses on errors in judgment or estimation.

flubbing it

This alternative is very informal and implies a complete failure or botch.

dropping the ball

This alternative is an idiom that means failing to do something that you were responsible for.

being fallible

This alternative is less about the action of making mistakes and more about the general condition of being prone to error.

FAQs

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

You can use "making mistakes" to describe the process of learning or trying something new, acknowledging that errors are a natural part of the process. For example, "It's okay to keep making mistakes as long as you learn from them."

What phrases are similar to "making mistakes"?

Similar phrases include "committing errors", "slipping up", or "getting it wrong", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "making mistakes" or "committing errors"?

Both "making mistakes" and "committing errors" are correct, but "making mistakes" is generally more common and less formal. "Committing errors" might be preferred in more formal or technical contexts.

How can I avoid "making mistakes"?

While you can't completely avoid "making mistakes", careful planning, thorough preparation, and attention to detail can help minimize errors. Remember that "planning allows you to avoid making mistakes".