sloppy mistakes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sloppy mistakes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe errors that are careless or lack attention to detail. Example: "The report was filled with sloppy mistakes, which made it difficult to take seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Too many sloppy mistakes.

The Guardian - Sport

Sloppy mistakes replaced stylish play.

The New York Times - Sports

Collins must beware of sloppy mistakes on short-yardage situations.

The New York Times - Sports

Online haste leads to sloppy mistakes, which undermine the confidence of readers.

The New York Times

The takeaway from the game were the sloppy mistakes that cost the Americans.

The New York Times - Sports

The Cardinals also still might have won the game without sloppy mistakes.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It's a truly sloppy mistake given how widely reported the incident was.

The Guardian

"The grand jury didn't believe it was a sloppy mistake," said John Dowd, one of the special prosecutors.

The New York Times

In an interview on Monday she called the matter "a big, serious, sloppy mistake," but said that she deserved credit for her response and that she hoped voters would put the incident in context with her whole career.

The New York Times

She has garbled the first line of a 1996 Psychology Today article (linked from Loftus's own Web page) that says, of Loftus, "She has been called a whore by a prosecutor in a courthouse hallway, assaulted by a passenger on an airplane shouting, 'You're that woman!' " A sloppy mistake, no question, but this doesn't mean Slater invented the incident out of whole cloth.

The New York Times - Books

Gregory Tade made Isaac Osbourne pay for a sloppy mistake to gave Saints the lead at McDiarmid Park but Niall McGinn hit an emphatic close-range leveller.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using more precise language to describe the nature and impact of the "sloppy mistakes". For example, specify whether they are "calculation errors", "typographical errors", or "procedural errors".

Common error

Avoid using "sloppy mistakes" repeatedly in formal reports or academic papers. Vary your language by using synonyms or describing the specific types of errors made to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sloppy mistakes" functions as a noun phrase, where 'sloppy' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'mistakes'. It refers to errors that result from carelessness or a lack of attention to detail. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

6%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sloppy mistakes" is a commonly used phrase to describe errors resulting from a lack of care or attention. While grammatically correct, more formal language may sometimes be preferred. Ludwig AI indicates a common usage, particularly in News & Media. To improve your writing, focus on specificity when describing errors and avoid overuse of this phrase in formal contexts. Remember that while understandable, it's crucial to assess the best phrase to accurately represent the error made. The phrase is effective in conveying disapproval but can sometimes be replaced with more precise terms to clarify the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

careless errors

Emphasizes the lack of attention or thoughtfulness in making the mistakes.

negligent errors

Highlights a failure to exercise the expected level of care, suggesting a more serious oversight.

avoidable mistakes

Focuses on the fact that the mistakes could have been prevented with better planning or execution.

preventable errors

Similar to "avoidable mistakes", but emphasizes the potential for systemic changes to reduce future errors.

unforced errors

Highlights mistakes that were not caused by external pressure or difficulty, but rather by the individual's own actions.

simple errors

Highlights the ease with which the mistakes occurred. This phrase emphasizes the non-complexity of the mistake made.

basic errors

Focuses on errors in something's rudimentary elements and construction. This phrase speaks to how well a basic foundation is built.

obvious errors

Highlights the non-complexity of the mistake made. This phrase emphasizes the simplicity and clarity of the mistake.

inexcusable mistakes

Highlights the indefensibility of the mistakes made. This phrase emphasizes the poor nature of the mistake.

needless errors

Indicates that the mistakes were unnecessary and could have easily been avoided.

FAQs

How can I avoid making "sloppy mistakes" in my writing?

Proofread your work carefully, take breaks to refresh your perspective, and use grammar and spell-checking tools. Also, consider asking someone else to review your writing before submitting it.

What are some synonyms for "sloppy mistakes"?

Alternatives include "careless errors", "negligent errors", or "avoidable mistakes", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sloppy mistakes" in a formal document?

While "sloppy mistakes" is generally understood, it might be more effective to use more specific and professional language in formal documents. Consider specifying the nature of the errors, such as "calculation errors" or "typographical errors".

What's the difference between "sloppy mistakes" and "honest mistakes"?

"Sloppy mistakes" imply a lack of care or attention, while "honest mistakes" suggest an error made in good faith without negligence. The former indicates a problem with process or diligence, while the latter suggests a lack of knowledge or understanding.