took a misstep

USAGE SUMMARY

'took a misstep' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an embarrassing or wrong decision that someone made. For example: "John took a misstep when speaking to his boss, and it cost him dearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

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

The New York Times - Magazine

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

Libby took a misstep in the Court's estimation, however, when he conceded that the Act did not chill any truthful speech.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

"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

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

Use "took a misstep" when you want to emphasize a specific instance of making a mistake, particularly one that leads to a negative consequence or a loss of balance, either literally or figuratively.

Common error

Avoid using "took a misstep" excessively in contexts where a more direct or literal description of the error would be clearer and more effective. Overusing figurative language can dilute its impact and confuse your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a misstep" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the past tense. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing an action performed by a subject. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to an embarrassing or wrong decision made.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a misstep" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered phrase that describes an instance where someone made a mistake or error, often leading to negative consequences. As Ludwig AI accurately states, it is often used to describe an embarrassing or wrong decision. It's more common in news and media contexts but can also be found in general writing. When using this phrase, consider the context and whether a more direct or specific description of the error would be more effective. Remember, while similar to "made a mistake", "took a misstep" carries a connotation of a specific, identifiable error with tangible repercussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made a mistake

A straightforward and neutral way of stating that an error occurred.

made an error

Focuses on the general act of making a mistake, without necessarily implying a stumble or loss of footing.

slipped up

Implies a minor and often unintentional error.

stumbled

Focuses on a figurative or literal loss of balance.

erred

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

miscalculated

Highlights an error in judgment or planning.

blundered

Suggests a significant or clumsy mistake.

lost footing

Indicates a loss of stability or advantage, either literally or figuratively.

committed a gaffe

Refers specifically to a social blunder or faux pas.

dropped the ball

An idiomatic expression indicating a failure to fulfill a responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "took a misstep" to describe a literal stumble or, more commonly, a figurative error in judgment or action. For example, "The company "took a misstep" when it launched the poorly designed product".

What are some alternatives to "took a misstep"?

Alternatives include "made a mistake", "slipped up", or "erred", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "take a misstep" or should it always be "took a misstep"?

"Take a misstep" is the infinitive form, used for general statements or future actions, while "took a misstep" is the past tense, used to describe a specific instance that has already occurred. For example, "It's easy to "take a misstep" if you're not careful."

What's the difference between "took a misstep" and "made a mistake"?

"Took a misstep" often implies a specific, identifiable error that had consequences, whereas "made a mistake" is a more general term for any kind of error.