obvious mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"obvious mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was clearly an error or error in judgment. For example: "He made an obvious mistake when he decided to leave his job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was an obvious mistake".

The New York Times - Sports

"It just seemed like a mistake, an obvious mistake".

The New York Times

It shows that the N.C.A.A. won't rectify even an obvious mistake to help an athlete.

The New York Times

He kept the Yankees in the game and made only one obvious mistake.

The New York Times

But the computer told them that their daughter was eligible for nothing — an obvious mistake.

The Washington Post

The other big but less obvious mistake with mulching is in laying the stuff too thickly.

The Washington Post

The biggest potential pitfall for Mr. Obama is an obvious mistake in imagery or rhetoric.

The New York Times

I suggested that this was an obvious mistake, or indeed fraud.

The Guardian - Money

Notwithstanding this obvious mistake, Griffith's rule of retroactivity had generated little or no confusion among the lower courts.

Cornell University

The most obvious "mistake", showing California as an island, is clearly borrowed from mistakes made in 17th-century European maps.

The Guardian

The obvious mistake Belichick made was to insert tight end Rob Gronkowski as the deepest defender on the play.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious mistake" to directly address errors that are easily identifiable, fostering transparency and accountability in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious mistake" when the error is subjective or requires expertise to identify. This can come across as condescending or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious mistake" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'obvious' modifies the noun 'mistake'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English. It serves to identify and categorize errors that are readily apparent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious mistake" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to denote a clear and easily identifiable error. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for use in written English, particularly when pointing out errors in judgement or execution. It appears frequently in news, academic and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the context makes the mistake's obviousness clear. Alternative phrases include "clear error" and "evident blunder". Avoid using the phrase when the mistake is subjective or requires specialized knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear error

Focuses on the clarity and unambiguity of the error.

conspicuous error

Focuses on how easily the error catches the eye or stands out.

unmistakable error

Emphasizes that the error cannot be misinterpreted or denied.

evident blunder

Emphasizes the conspicuous and clumsy nature of the mistake.

patent fault

Highlights the undisguised and easily detectable nature of the fault.

plain oversight

Suggests the mistake was a simple and easily avoidable error.

glaring defect

Highlights a highly conspicuous and major flaw.

manifest inaccuracy

Stresses the obvious and readily apparent lack of accuracy.

blatant slip-up

Indicates a conspicuous and careless error.

noticeable lapse

Highlights the easily observed failure or decline in performance.

FAQs

How can I use "obvious mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "obvious mistake" to point out a clear error in judgment or execution, such as, "It was an "obvious mistake" to underestimate the competition".

What can I say instead of "obvious mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "clear error", "evident blunder", or "patent fault" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious mistake"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "very "obvious mistake"" can be redundant. The term "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity, so it's often more effective to simply use "obvious mistake".

When is it appropriate to point out an "obvious mistake"?

Pointing out an "obvious mistake" is appropriate when it's done constructively and aims to prevent further errors or improve understanding. Avoid using it to belittle or embarrass someone.