mistakes are made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'mistakes are made' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to errors or wrong judgments that have already been committed. For example: "No one is perfect, and mistakes are made from time to time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mistakes are made.

The New York Times - Books

Infection spreads; mistakes are made.

The New Yorker

Sometimes mistakes are made.

The New York Times - Sports

Honest mistakes are made.

Harvard Business Review

But mistakes are made.

The Washington Post

But sometimes mistakes are made.

The New York Times - Health

If mistakes are made, compensation is paid.

The Economist

That's why all these mistakes are made.

The New Yorker

There are occasions when mistakes are made".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some mistakes were made.

Independent

Mistakes were made.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider adding context about the circumstances surrounding the mistakes. For example, specify the area where mistakes occurred or the factors that contributed to them.

Common error

While "mistakes are made" is acceptable, overuse of the passive voice can weaken your writing. Consider who made the mistakes and rephrase to take ownership of the issues. For example, instead of saying "Mistakes were made during the audit", try "We made mistakes during the audit".

Linguistic Context

"Mistakes are made" serves as a declarative phrase used to acknowledge that errors or faults have occurred. It often functions as a statement of fact, addressing issues without necessarily assigning blame. As Ludwig AI points out, it acknowledges that errors happen from time to time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mistakes are made" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to acknowledge the occurrence of errors. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is commonly employed in news, science, and business, its use spans diverse contexts. It serves as a neutral way to introduce the topic of errors, often without assigning blame, which can be useful in initiating discussions about solutions or lessons learned. However, be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider who made the mistakes to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

errors occur

This alternative is a more formal and direct way of saying that mistakes happen. It removes the passive voice but retains the meaning.

it is human to err

This is a classic idiom that encapsulates the idea that making mistakes is an inherent part of the human condition.

errors are committed

This is a slightly more formal and legalistic way of expressing that mistakes have been made. It emphasizes the act of making a mistake.

everyone errs

This alternative directly acknowledges the universality of making mistakes, with a focus on people rather than the mistakes themselves.

missteps are inevitable

This suggests that mistakes are unavoidable and should be expected, focusing on the certainty of errors.

lapses in judgment happen

This phrase focuses on errors stemming from poor decision-making, highlighting the cognitive aspect of mistakes.

faults arise

This is a more literary way of saying that errors come into existence or become apparent.

shortcomings surface

This alternative focuses on the emergence of defects or imperfections, rather than the active commission of errors.

blunders take place

This suggests larger, more significant errors than simply "mistakes", implying a degree of carelessness or incompetence.

oversights transpire

This emphasizes that mistakes occur because something was not noticed or properly considered.

FAQs

How can I use "mistakes are made" in a sentence?

You can use "mistakes are made" to acknowledge that errors have occurred, often without directly assigning blame. For example: "During the project, "mistakes are made", but we learn from them".

What can I say instead of "mistakes are made"?

You can use alternatives like "errors occur", "errors are committed", or "everyone errs" depending on the context.

Is "mistakes were made" different from "mistakes are made"?

"Mistakes are made" implies that errors generally happen or are currently happening. "Mistakes were made" indicates that errors occurred in the past and is often used to acknowledge past failings.

Why is the phrase "mistakes were made" sometimes considered controversial?

The phrase "mistakes were made" can be controversial because it's sometimes used to avoid taking direct responsibility for errors. It can come across as evasive, especially when there is a clear party at fault.