spotted the mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spotted the mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of noticing or identifying an error in a text, document, or situation. Example: "After reviewing the report, I finally spotted the mistake in the calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Thanks to the reader who spotted the mistake.

The Economist

"Anyone who has read a book about nuclear weapons," he added, would have spotted the mistake.

The New York Times - Science

I think the store should honor the pricing on its packages and should have relabeled them as soon as they spotted the mistake.

The New York Times - Magazine

The paper's correspondent in Cairo, Patrick Kingsley, who did not write the headline, spotted the mistake at 6.04pm, and the headline was changed six minutes later.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Constantine College crest will now be redesigned as Jane Grenville, deputy vice chancellor of the university, admitted that despite being an archaeologist herself, she hadn't spotted the mistake.

Independent

It is still a work in progress – the reader rightly spotted the mistake in printing the racing journalist's name in red and there have been problems with the colours in the league tables.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

See if you spot the mistake: You entered from the street, into a room with four small tables.

The New York Times

Spotting the mistake, he beckoned for the perpetrator to pass it over, grabbed a marker and added in the missing apostrophe.

Independent

But he doesn't need to read it to spot the mistake: there's an interview with Pete Shelley (the other, significantly more gay founder of Buzzcocks), mistakenly illustrated with a photo of Steve.

The Guardian - Music

We wish to thank the reviewers for spotting the mistake.

F1000Research

Can you spot the mistake?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spotted the mistake" when you want to emphasize the act of noticing or identifying an error, especially in a context where it might have been easily overlooked. It adds a slightly more active and observational tone compared to simply saying "noticed the mistake".

Common error

While "spotted the mistake" is perfectly acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "identified the error" or "detected the flaw".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spotted the mistake" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of noticing an error. Ludwig provides multiple examples of its usage in diverse contexts, showing it's a valid and understandable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spotted the mistake" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe the action of noticing an error. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and usable in written English, finding applications particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to use "spotted the mistake" when you wish to emphasize the act of discovering an error, adding a subtle active and observational tone. Common alternatives include ""identified the error"" and "detected the flaw", offering nuanced options for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identified the error

Focuses on the act of recognizing the error more formally.

caught the error

Focuses on the act of intercepting or preventing the error from propagating.

noticed the inaccuracy

Highlights the perception of something not being accurate.

detected the flaw

Implies a careful search and discovery of an imperfection.

recognized the fault

Highlights the acknowledgement and understanding of a defect.

picked up on the error

Suggests a quick or intuitive understanding of the mistake.

uncovered the oversight

Emphasizes finding something that was missed or neglected.

found the lapse

Highlights the act of finding a temporary failure of concentration, judgment, or memory.

discovered the problem

Broader term focusing on identifying an issue that needs resolving.

realized the blunder

Focuses on understanding or becoming aware of a serious or careless mistake.

FAQs

What does "spotted the mistake" mean?

The phrase "spotted the mistake" means to have noticed or identified an error. It implies that someone has observed and recognized something that is incorrect.

How can I use "spotted the mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "spotted the mistake" in sentences like, "After reviewing the document, I finally "identified the error"" or "The editor quickly "picked up on the error" in the first paragraph."

What are some alternatives to "spotted the mistake"?

Alternatives include "noticed the error", "detected the flaw", "identified the problem", or "recognized the fault", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "spotted the mistake" formal or informal?

The phrase "spotted the mistake" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While perfectly acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like ""identified the error"" or "detected the flaw" might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings.