straightforward mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "straightforward mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error that is simple or clear in nature, often implying that it should have been easily avoided. Example: "It was a straightforward mistake to overlook the deadline, and I take full responsibility for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He told reporters that the incident was a straightforward mistake.

Independent

Sometimes monumental (an unpleasant grey wall seems a straightforward mistake), sometimes drably painted, it is always too matt, too glitter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Andrew is a young man from Enfield who has lost three years of his life over what looks like a case of straightforward mistaken identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Repeated trials are likely to be better than one-off experiments in this respect: people make fewer straightforward mistakes at the end of 20 reps than at the beginning.

The Economist

It's not uncommon for straightforward mistakes to be made in security architectures and implementations.

TechCrunch

Only one was to correct a straightforward (perceived) mistake.

The Economist

EW Blakeney, Gloucestershire Ebay blames a "straightforward ­process mistake", although not so straightforward that the company was able work out what to do about it before The Observer got in touch.

The Guardian - Money

Carter missed a second straightforward penalty, a mistake symptomatic of an error-strewn All Blacks half-hour.

BBC

The Mail followed up with a biting commentary on Hamilton's failure to offer a straightforward acknowledgment of his mistake or a forthright apology to Raikkonen, and for his boastful remark, after the crash, that only the crash had kept him from winning.

The New York Times

Toby Flood makes no mistake with a straightforward kick and it's an ideal start for England. 4 min: This is a really bright start from England and South Africa look off the pace.

The Guardian - Sport

Pienaar was then well short with a 56th-minute penalty but made no mistake with a straightforward chance on the hour mark, a vital score to settle Ulster after conceding 12 points without reply.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "straightforward mistake", ensure that the context clearly indicates an error that is simple and easily understood. Avoid using it for complex or nuanced errors.

Common error

Avoid using "straightforward mistake" to describe errors that involve intricate processes or require deep analysis. Reserve it for errors that are genuinely simple and easily identifiable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "straightforward mistake" functions as a noun phrase, where "straightforward" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "mistake". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "straightforward mistake" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable way to describe a simple error. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and analysis reveals it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not exceptionally frequent, it effectively conveys the idea of an error that lacks complexity. Remember to reserve it for errors that genuinely fit this description and consider alternatives like "simple mistake" or "clear error" for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple mistake

Replaces "straightforward" with "simple", emphasizing the ease of understanding the error.

simple error

Uses "error" instead of "mistake" and "simple" instead of "straightforward".

plain mistake

Replaces "straightforward" with "plain", indicating a simple and uncomplicated error.

basic mistake

Replaces "straightforward" with "basic" emphasizing the fundamental nature of the error.

clear error

Substitutes both words for synonyms, highlighting the lack of ambiguity in the error.

unambiguous mistake

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the error.

evident mistake

Emphasizes the obviousness of the error.

uncomplicated mistake

Highlights the lack of complexity associated with the error.

obvious blunder

Uses a stronger word ("blunder") to suggest a significant and easily noticeable mistake.

easily made mistake

Focuses on the ease with which the mistake can occur.

FAQs

What does "straightforward mistake" mean?

A "straightforward mistake" refers to an error that is simple, clear, and easily understood, often implying it should have been easily avoided.

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

You can use it to describe an error that is not complex. For example, "Forgetting to save the document was a "straightforward mistake" that cost him hours of work".

What are some alternatives to "straightforward mistake"?

Alternatives include "simple mistake", "clear error", or "obvious blunder", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "straightforward mistake" or "honest mistake"?

The choice depends on the context. "Straightforward mistake" emphasizes the simplicity of the error, while "honest mistake" suggests the error was unintentional and made in good faith.