this was mistaken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was mistaken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was incorrectly understood or interpreted in the past. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I realized that this was mistaken and the initial conclusion was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A rational case can be made that this was mistaken, or even immoral.

The New Yorker

I don't think she had to tell us that this was mistaken.

The New Yorker

This was mistaken pride, and it really ought not to have grated so much that critics never took him seriously.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is mistaken.

The Economist

But this is mistaken in an important regard.

The Economist

But this is mistaken.

SEP

This is mistaken for two reasons.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

In this Poyntz was mistaken.

Wikipedia

In this, they are mistaken.

The New York Times

This impression is mistaken.

SEP

This may be mistaken.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this was mistaken", ensure the context clearly identifies what "this" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

While "this was mistaken" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem weak. Consider active voice constructions for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was mistaken" functions as a statement of correction or retraction. It's used to indicate that a previous belief, action, or conclusion was based on faulty information or reasoning. As Ludwig confirms, it's a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was mistaken" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as validated by Ludwig AI, employed to rectify past misunderstandings or errors. While it appears in various contexts, including News & Media and scientific publications, it is crucial to ensure clarity in its usage by explicitly stating what "this" refers to. Consider alternative phrases like "this was an error" or "this was incorrect" for more directness, and be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice. Remember to support any corrections with evidence, particularly in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was an error

Replaces "mistaken" with the more direct term "error".

this was incorrect

Substitutes "mistaken" with "incorrect", highlighting a factual inaccuracy.

this was a misjudgment

Emphasizes the aspect of poor decision-making that led to the mistake.

this was a fallacy

Highlights that the error was based on a flawed argument or reasoning.

this was based on a false premise

Specifies that the mistake arose from an untrue assumption.

this was a misunderstanding

Focuses on the lack of clear communication or comprehension as the cause.

this was based on misinformation

Highlights that the error was based on incorrect information.

this was the wrong assumption

Emphasizes that the error was caused by choosing the wrong starting point.

this proved to be wrong

Shifts the focus to the eventual realization that something was incorrect.

this was a flawed conclusion

Highlights that the error was in the process of drawing the conclusion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this was mistaken" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "this was an error", "this was incorrect", or "this was a misjudgment", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "this was mistaken" and "this is mistaken"?

"This was mistaken" refers to something that was believed to be true in the past but has since been proven false. "This is mistaken" indicates a current belief or understanding is incorrect.

Is "this was mistaken" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this was mistaken" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" ("was") and the adjective "mistaken" to describe a past state or belief.

Can I use "this was mistaken" in academic writing?

Yes, "this was mistaken" is appropriate for academic writing, especially when correcting previous assumptions or interpretations. However, always provide evidence or justification for the correction.