my lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my lapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mistake or error made by oneself, often in the context of forgetting something or making a misjudgment. Example: "I apologize for my lapse in judgment during the meeting; I should have considered all the facts before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Gosper, who is a former Olympic track medalist, was forced to apologize for what he called "my lapse of judgment, clouded by fatherly pride".

The New York Times - Sports

But given my lapse of judgment with the pry bar, I didn't relax too much.

The New York Times

In a letter to the Senate majority leader, Mr. Metzen apologized "for my lapse in judgment".

The New York Times

I never told anyone about my lapse — not my intern, not my attending physician, certainly not the patient's family.

The New York Times

I swore her to secrecy, but my lapse so terrified me that I kept our secret for another 20 years.

The New York Times

"I sincerely apologize for my lapse in judgment, and I take full responsibility for my actions, which were mine alone".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Cease apologizing for my lapses in memory?

The New York Times - Magazine

Many of them are now mercifully defunct so my lapses in taste are lost forever.

The Guardian - Tech

They forgave my lapses the way people may forgive an old, flatulent dog.

The New York Times

With eight months to go, she suggested that it was probably best for me not to dwell on my lapses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He not only taught me what to do, he covered up my lapses and gave Lincicome someone to laugh with when I messed up.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, follow "my lapse" with a clear explanation of the error and the steps taken to prevent recurrence. This demonstrates accountability and trustworthiness.

Common error

Avoid using "my lapse" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler terms like "my mistake" or "my bad" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my lapse" functions as a noun phrase where "my" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "lapse". It indicates that the lapse is something personal or attributable to the speaker or writer. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

14%

Arts

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "my lapse" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to acknowledge personal errors or failures. As Ludwig highlights, it typically functions as a noun phrase indicating ownership of the mistake. It often appears in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media, and serves to preface an apology or explanation. While alternatives like "my mistake" or "my error" exist, "my lapse" offers a more nuanced way of admitting to a temporary failure in judgment or memory. It is important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my mistake

Replaces "lapse" with a more common term for error. It's a simpler, more direct expression.

my error

Similar to "my mistake" but slightly more formal. Conveys a sense of inaccuracy or deviation from what is correct.

my misjudgment

Highlights the aspect of making a poor decision. It focuses on the evaluation process leading to the error.

my oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglecting to do something. Suggests a failure to notice or consider something important.

my slip-up

Suggests a minor and unintentional error. It's more casual than "my lapse".

my failing

Emphasizes a weakness or shortcoming in one's character or ability. It's a more personal and potentially severe admission.

my blunder

Implies a clumsy or foolish mistake. It suggests a lack of skill or care.

my indiscretion

Highlights a lack of discretion or good judgment, often in a social or ethical context. It implies a breach of trust or propriety.

my slip of the tongue

Specifically refers to a verbal mistake. It's limited to errors in speech.

my temporary insanity

Humorously exaggerates the mistake, suggesting a moment of irrationality. It's informal and self-deprecating.

FAQs

What does "my lapse" mean?

"My lapse" refers to a temporary failure in judgment, memory, or behavior. It implies a deviation from an expected standard or norm.

How can I use "my lapse" in a sentence?

You can use "my lapse" when admitting a mistake or taking responsibility for an error. For example, "I apologize for "my lapse in judgment" during the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "my lapse"?

Alternatives include "my mistake", "my error", "my oversight", or "my failing", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "my lapse in judgment" or "my lapse of judgment"?

Both "my lapse in judgment" and "my lapse of judgment" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.