takes a misstep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes a misstep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone making a mistake or error in judgment or action. Example: "In his latest speech, the politician takes a misstep by failing to address the concerns of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When Petit takes his first step, Zemeckis takes a misstep.

The New Yorker

The rueful, contemplative second movement is haunting until it takes a misstep into bombast.

The New York Times - Arts

But while the show deserves the avalanche of praise it has received, even a very good show sometimes takes a misstep, and Fargo took a couple this past Monday.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"There's no room for them to take a misstep".

The New York Times

He had worked on it a little too long, taken a misstep, killed it.

The New Yorker

Then Jerry took a misstep between the tracks, and yelped, coming down hard on an ankle.

The New Yorker

That very week I took a misstep off a sidewalk curb and reinjured an already tenuous knee.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Beckett, Boston's ace, took a misstep late in the evening and veered into the Red Sox' vortex of despair.

The New York Times - Sports

As for Machado, he injured himself in the seventh inning of Monday's game when he took a misstep as he touched first base.

The New York Times

But on March 31 , 1971 Hoist the Flag's jockey, Jean Cruguet, pulled him up during a workout at Belmont Park when the colt took a misstep.

The New York Times - Sports

Ford may have taken a misstep with its lower-priced Jaguar S-Type, the first all-new Jaguar sedan under Ford ownership.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the figurative language is appropriate. While versatile, "takes a misstep" works best when describing actions in projects, strategies, or artistic endeavors where progress is expected.

Common error

While acceptable, using "takes a misstep" in highly formal reports or documents can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for more direct and precise terms like "makes an error" or "fails to meet requirements" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a misstep" functions as a verb phrase, acting as the predicate of a sentence. It typically describes an action where someone makes an error or mistake, implying a deviation from the correct path. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes a misstep" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a mistake or error, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to soften the impact of the error, often portraying it as unintentional or temporary. While the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts, it is less common in formal academic or scientific writing. Alternatives such as "makes an error" or "commits a blunder" can provide a more direct or formal tone depending on the situation. Therefore, when aiming for a neutral and slightly understated description of a mistake, "takes a misstep" is a suitable option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes a mistake

A general and direct way to describe an error.

makes an error

Focuses on the act of making a mistake, generally applicable.

commits a blunder

Emphasizes a significant or clumsy mistake.

errs

A more formal and concise way of saying someone makes a mistake.

slips up

Suggests a minor or unintentional mistake.

falters

Implies a temporary loss of strength or certainty, leading to a mistake.

stumbles

Suggests a lack of coordination or control, either literally or figuratively.

miscalculates

Highlights an error in judgment or estimation.

drops the ball

An idiomatic expression indicating a failure to fulfill a responsibility.

goofs up

Suggests a silly or careless mistake.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "takes a misstep"?

To say someone "takes a misstep" means they make a mistake or error in judgment, often implying a temporary lapse or minor fault.

How can I use "takes a misstep" in a sentence?

You can use "takes a misstep" to describe a situation where someone makes a mistake, for example: "The company "takes a misstep" by launching the product without adequate testing."

What can I say instead of "takes a misstep"?

You can use alternatives like "makes an error", "commits a blunder", or "slips up" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "takes a misstep" or "makes a mistake"?

"Takes a misstep" implies a slight error, while "makes a mistake" is a more general term. The best choice depends on the specific context and the severity of the error you want to convey.