very mistaken

USAGE SUMMARY

"very mistaken" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has a wrong or false belief about something. For example: "The professor was very mistaken when he mistakenly assumed the study material had been revised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I was very mistaken," he said.

The New York Times

I think they are very mistaken if they think that".

The Guardian

But if you think that concerns me, then people are also very mistaken.

The Guardian - Sport

All of them, however, are in thrall to the very mistaken idea that food and sex enjoy an intimate relationship.

The New York Times - Food

In the Commons they are dumb; in the Lords only heard in the strains of well-meaning, but very mistaken Earl Stanhope.

The Economist

There was a kind of ambition there, Hannah felt, a kind of pride or poetry, which was very mistaken and very dangerous.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I think those remarks are very much mistaken and very, very, very inaccurate".

The Guardian - Sport

The petition has found someone to blame, repeating the very mistake of the injustice it deplores.

The New York Times

Robinson has excellent raw skills, but he can be very mistake prone in coverage.

The New York Times

And since it still makes mistakes — Norway, for example — its very mistakes justify further expansion of the apparatus.

The New York Times

Unfortunately in our media-driven age, we make that very mistake in our adoration of many celebrities and politicians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very mistaken", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is wrong about. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "very mistaken" when a simple misunderstanding is more accurate. Save it for situations where the error is significant or consequential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very mistaken" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective 'mistaken'. It describes the degree to which someone is incorrect in their belief or understanding. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very mistaken" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to emphasize the degree to which someone is wrong or incorrect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Its primary function is to strongly express disagreement or to offer correction, typically found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best used when the error is significant to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "utterly wrong" or "completely incorrect" for nuanced expression. It is advisable to use it only when there is a substantial error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly mistaken

Indicates that there is little to no doubt in the mistaken assessment.

plainly in error

Emphasizes the obviousness of the mistake.

completely incorrect

Highlights the total absence of accuracy in a statement or belief.

wholly inaccurate

Stresses that something is entirely without truth or precision.

utterly wrong

Emphasizes a complete and undeniable state of being incorrect.

under a misapprehension

Highlights that something is based on an inaccurate understanding or interpretation of facts.

seriously misguided

Indicates that the error in judgment has potentially negative consequences.

decidedly off-base

Highlights deviation from what is valid, accurate, or relevant.

sorely deceived

Suggests a state of being misled to a significant extent, often with emotional implications.

laboring under a delusion

Implies a persistent and strongly held false belief.

FAQs

How can I use "very mistaken" in a sentence?

You can use "very mistaken" to express that someone has a wrong or false belief about something. For example: "If you believe that strategy will work, you are "very mistaken"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "very mistaken"?

Alternatives to "very mistaken" include "completely incorrect", "seriously misguided", or "clearly mistaken", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "very mistaken" or "greatly mistaken"?

Both "very mistaken" and "greatly mistaken" are grammatically correct, but "very mistaken" is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Greatly mistaken" might sound more formal or old-fashioned.

What's the difference between "mistaken" and "wrong"?

"Mistaken" suggests an error in judgment or understanding, while "wrong" can refer to both factual errors and moral transgressions. Saying someone is ""very mistaken"" focuses on their misunderstanding, whereas calling them "very wrong" might imply a more general or ethical failing.