mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an error or an oversight. For example: "I made a mistake when I filled out the form; I forgot to include my phone number."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a mistake.

The New York Times

This was a mistake.

The New York Times

This would be a mistake.

The New York Times

It is a mistake.

The New York Times

Another mistake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I can only assume it's a mistake," George said, when asked why flights to Queensland were approved as expenses to be charged to Sydney Water.

The Guardian

"I don't think anybody should be president of the United States that made that mistake," he said.

The Guardian

"People must be held to account for their actions under the rule of law and in the case of Mr Downey clearly a dreadful mistake was made by him receiving that letter".

The Guardian

"It is in our vital national interest that we avoid the fatal mistake that would be a no vote if a referendum is held in the next few years".

The Guardian

I don't know what I'm going to do, and maybe it's a mistake to decide now when I am in a euphoric state".

The Guardian - Film

But Republican primary voters too often make the mistake of preferring an unattainable ideal to the best candidate who is actually running.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "mistake", clearly state what the correct action or decision should have been to provide context and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a "mistake" was made without explaining the specific error or its consequences. Always provide enough detail to clarify the nature and impact of the mistake.

Linguistic Context

The word "mistake" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an error or fault. It can also function as a verb, meaning to misunderstand or misinterpret. Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly used to describe unintentional errors in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mistake" is a versatile and frequently used noun and verb signifying an error or misunderstanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it holds a central role in our language, appearing prominently in news and media sources to acknowledge errors and analyze their implications. While its grammatical status is correct, providing context when referencing "mistakes" is crucial for clear communication. The word offers several alternatives like "error", "blunder", and "oversight" to tailor your writing and avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

error

A more general term for an inaccuracy or deviation from correctness.

blunder

Implies a more significant and often embarrassing error.

oversight

Suggests an error due to carelessness or failure to notice something.

lapse

Indicates a temporary failure of judgment or concentration.

fault

Highlights responsibility for the error.

slip-up

An informal term for a minor error.

gaffe

A social blunder or faux pas.

inaccuracy

Refers to a lack of precision or correctness.

miscalculation

An error in mathematical or strategic assessment.

misjudgment

An error in making a decision or assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "mistake" in a sentence to indicate an error or fault, such as "I made a "mistake" on the exam" or "It was a "mistake" to trust him".

What can I say instead of "mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "error", "blunder", or "oversight" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "mistake" or "error"?

Both "mistake" and "error" are correct, but "error" is generally more formal. "Mistake" often implies a human element, while "error" can refer to any deviation from correctness.

What's the difference between "mistake" and "fault"?

"Mistake" refers to an unintentional error, while "fault" implies responsibility or blame for the error. A "mistake" can be an accident, but a "fault" suggests a failure in someone's actions or judgment.