may be mistaken

USAGE SUMMARY

"may be mistaken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an opinion that something might not be correct. For example: My interpretation of the data may be mistaken, so further research is needed to confirm the results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This logic may be mistaken.

The New Yorker

But those consumers may be mistaken.

The New York Times

He may be mistaken in that belief.

The New Yorker

Additionally, metaplastic and hyperplastic processes may be mistaken for PCa.

Diagnostic Histopathology

Most are over 7ft, though I may be mistaken here.

The Guardian - Arts

The public may be mistaken in thinking that the fashionable trend comes without significant risk.

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain are telltale signs that may be mistaken for other conditions.

Harvard University

For one may be mistaken, and think that he remembers when he really does not.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He or she even may be mistaken for a native of the country.

Harvard Business Review

"I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken".

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is possible that Ms. Rowling may be mistaken about her own character.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be mistaken", clearly state the basis for your uncertainty to enhance credibility. For instance, "My interpretation of the data may be mistaken due to the limited sample size."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "may be mistaken". Instead of saying "The results may be mistaken", consider a more direct statement like "I may have misinterpreted the results", which is often clearer and more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be mistaken" functions as a modal phrase expressing uncertainty or a possibility of error. As shown in Ludwig, it is often used to soften claims or acknowledge potential inaccuracies in statements or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

42%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be mistaken" is a versatile expression used to convey the possibility of error or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and academia. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the potential for overuse of passive voice and clearly state the basis for your uncertainty. Alternatives like "could be wrong" or "might be incorrect" offer similar shades of meaning. The choice of phrase depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be wrong

Replaces "may be mistaken" with a more direct expression of potential error.

might be incorrect

Substitutes "mistaken" with "incorrect", adding a slight nuance in formality.

possibly be in error

Replaces "may be mistaken" with a formal phrasing to indicate a potential mistake.

perhaps be off base

Uses the idiom "off base" to convey the possibility of being incorrect, adding a colloquial tone.

I might be wrong

Shifts the focus to a personal admission of potential error.

I could have it wrong

Uses a conversational tone to express the possibility of personal error.

it's possible I'm wrong

Emphasizes the possibility of error in a personal judgment.

there's a chance I'm wrong

Introduces the concept of chance or probability of error.

it is conceivable that I am wrong

Uses a more formal and complex sentence structure to express potential error.

it's not beyond the realm of possibility that I'm wrong

Emphasizes the remote possibility of being incorrect.

FAQs

How can I use "may be mistaken" in a sentence?

Use "may be mistaken" to express a possibility of being wrong about something. For example, "My understanding of the theorem "may be mistaken", so I will review it again."

What's the difference between "may be mistaken" and "might be mistaken"?

The phrases "may be mistaken" and "might be mistaken" are often interchangeable. Both indicate a possibility of error, with no significant difference in meaning or usage.

What can I say instead of "may be mistaken" to sound more confident?

To sound more confident, avoid phrases like "may be mistaken". Instead, present your information as factual, unless you need to specifically express uncertainty. In that case, consider "could be wrong".

Is it better to say "I may be mistaken" or "It may be mistaken"?

Saying "I may be mistaken" is typically better because it directly acknowledges your own potential for error. "It may be mistaken" is less direct and can sound vague. Direct ownership of potential mistakes often builds more trust.