stupid mistakes

USAGE SUMMARY

"stupid mistakes" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe errors that are perceived as foolish or avoidable. Example: "I can't believe I made such stupid mistakes on the test." Alternative expressions include "foolish errors" and "silly blunders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I made some silly, stupid mistakes".

The New York Times - Sports

Why do we make stupid mistakes?

Independent

"Simple, stupid mistakes," the governor confessed.

The New York Times

Still, even the best make stupid mistakes.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are of course stupid mistakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the arguments do not make obvious, stupid mistakes.

The New York Times

"I just said to myself: 'Don't do stupid mistakes.

The New York Times

We can't allow for stupid mistakes to happen.

The New York Times - Sports

"Just made stupid mistakes, hit it in the wrong places".

The New York Times - Sports

"You have a guy with his energy, but he's going to prison for stupid mistakes".

The New York Times

Then the filming finishes, and you make the same stupid mistakes as ever.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stupid mistakes", consider the audience and context. While widely understood, the term can be perceived as harsh or insensitive. Choose a more neutral term like "avoidable errors" in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "stupid mistakes" in professional reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and nuanced language that identifies the specific type of error and its cause, such as "procedural oversights" or "data entry errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stupid mistakes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "stupid" modifies the noun "mistakes". Ludwig confirms its usage across various contexts as seen in examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sports

21%

General Communication

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stupid mistakes" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe errors perceived as easily avoidable or resulting from poor judgment. As Ludwig highlights, it's frequently found in news, sports reporting, and general conversation. While widely understood, consider your audience and context, opting for more neutral alternatives like "avoidable errors" in formal settings. Remember to proofread carefully and be mindful of potential areas for errors in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foolish errors

Replaces "stupid" with "foolish", suggesting a lack of wisdom or judgment.

silly errors

Replaces "stupid" with "silly", implying a more lighthearted or trivial nature of the mistakes.

careless blunders

Shifts focus to the lack of care or attention as the cause of the errors.

avoidable errors

Emphasizes the preventable nature of the mistakes.

negligent mistakes

Suggests a failure to exercise the appropriate level of care, potentially implying legal implications.

unforced errors

Commonly used in sports, highlighting errors not caused by external pressure.

preventable errors

Similar to "avoidable errors", stressing the possibility of preventing the mistakes.

unwise choices

Broadens the scope to include decisions that led to negative outcomes.

ill-advised actions

Focuses on the actions taken that were poorly thought out.

regrettable actions

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the mistakes.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "stupid mistakes"?

You can use alternatives like "foolish errors", "silly errors", or "careless blunders" depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

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

Proofread carefully, take breaks to refresh your perspective, and use grammar and spell-checking tools. Pay particular attention to areas where you've made mistakes in the past.

Is "stupid mistakes" too harsh for professional communication?

It depends on the context. In informal communication with colleagues, it might be acceptable. However, in formal reports or communication with clients, it's best to use more professional language, such as "avoidable errors" or "preventable errors".

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

"Stupid mistakes" implies a lack of intelligence or thought, while "honest mistakes" suggests that the errors were unintentional and made in good faith. The key difference lies in the perceived intent and preventability of the error.