the very same mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very same mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a specific error is identical to one that has been made before. Example: "Despite the warnings, he ended up making the very same mistake he had made last time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, it repeats the very same mistakes that made Iraq such a disaster for Americans – never mind the Iraqis.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I wonder whether he is repeating the very same mistakes which relegated Macs to a niche market.

TechCrunch

There is plentiful evidence, much of it gathered by Gird Gigerenzer, that patients make serious mistakes in thinking about risks and efficacy, and that their doctors make the very same mistakes!

Huffington Post

Short-term thinking in Brussels which focuses exclusively on the transparency, responsibility and accountability of financial markets alone, would also repeat the very same mistakes which those responsible for the banking collapse are accused.

European Parliament

But, alas, that very same mistake is what led us to the elusive, original GayPon.

Huffington Post

I made a bunch of mistakes, the very same ones that I now go around warning people to avoid.

The New York Times

Make no mistake, it is the very same concern Mayor Giuliani continues to express today when it comes to all those who have made tremendous sacrifices at ground zero".

The New York Times

The very same problem.

The New York Times

Yes, the very same.

The Guardian - Opinion

The very same.

Los Angeles Times

There's a catch though; instead of becoming a better doctor than her father, Aya does the very same mistake turning people into dolls.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the very same mistake", ensure the context clearly establishes the prior occurrence of the mistake to emphasize the repetition. It is used for emphasis, so avoid overuse.

Common error

Avoid using "the very same mistake" when simply referring to a mistake in general. This phrase is meant to emphasize a repetition, not just any error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very same mistake" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific error. It emphasizes that the current error is identical to one made previously. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability in written English, used to emphasize that a specific error is identical to one that has been made before.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very same mistake" is a phrase used to emphasize the repetition of an identical error, often conveying frustration or a lack of learning. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceptionally frequent, it appears across various contexts, including news, business, science, and wiki articles. The key is to use it when you want to highlight that a mistake isn't just similar, but precisely the same as one made before. Be mindful of the emphasis it carries and use it judiciously to make your point effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the identical error

Replaces "very same" with "identical", emphasizing the exact match of the mistake.

the exact same blunder

Substitutes "mistake" with "blunder", indicating a foolish or careless error.

the selfsame error

Uses "selfsame" for emphasis, highlighting the error's precise repetition.

the repetition of the mistake

Focuses on the act of repeating the mistake, rather than the mistake itself.

the recurring mistake

Highlights the repeated nature of the mistake, suggesting it happens more than once.

the replicated error

Uses "replicated" to convey that the mistake has been precisely copied.

the mirrored mistake

Emphasizes that the mistake is a direct reflection or copy of a previous one.

the carbon copy mistake

Uses "carbon copy" to illustrate that the mistake is an exact duplicate.

the twin mistake

Suggests the mistake is one of a pair, perfectly matching the original.

the echoed mistake

Implies the mistake resonates or repeats a previous one, similar to an echo.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the very same mistake"?

You can use phrases like "the identical error", "the exact same blunder", or "the selfsame error" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "the very same mistake"?

Use "the very same mistake" when you want to emphasize that someone is repeating an error they've made before, highlighting the lack of learning or change.

Is "the very same mistake" a formal or informal expression?

"The very same mistake" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in writing than in casual conversation. Its impact relies on the context and emphasis.

What's the difference between "the same mistake" and "the very same mistake"?

While "the same mistake" simply indicates that a mistake is repeated, "the very same mistake" adds emphasis, highlighting that it's not just similar, but precisely identical to the previous one.