we made a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we made a mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging an error or fault that has occurred, typically in a formal or informal context. Example: "After reviewing the project, we made a mistake in our calculations that affected the final outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We made a mistake".

The New Yorker

"We made a mistake," he said.

The New York Times

"We made a mistake, to be honest".

The New York Times - Sports

"We made a mistake," Mr. Paulson said.

The New York Times

Sandberg admits, "We made a mistake".

The New Yorker

"We made a mistake," Mr. Davis testified.

The New York Times

"We made a mistake," she said.

The New York Times

She added: "We made a mistake.

The New York Times

"We made a mistake going into Iraq.

The Guardian

We made a mistake in freeing Austria.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Everybody understands we made a mistake".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we made a mistake", follow up with a clear explanation of what the mistake was and the steps being taken to rectify it. This shows accountability and a commitment to improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "we made a mistake" without specifying the mistake. Be specific about the error and its impact to demonstrate genuine understanding and prevent further confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we made a mistake" functions as an acknowledgment of error or fault. It's used to admit that an action or decision was incorrect, often followed by an explanation or apology. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we made a mistake" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to acknowledge errors. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's best to follow up with a clear explanation of the error and the steps being taken to rectify it. Alternative phrases like "we erred" or "we were wrong" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were mistaken

This alternative uses "mistaken" instead of "made a mistake", implying a state of being wrong.

we erred

This option offers a more formal and concise way of admitting a mistake.

we were wrong

This is a straightforward and direct way to acknowledge an error.

we were in error

This is a formal way of acknowledging a mistake, often used in official contexts.

we committed an error

This expression is a more formal alternative, highlighting the act of making a mistake.

we goofed up

This option introduces a more informal and casual tone.

we slipped up

This alternative suggests a minor error or oversight.

we dropped the ball

This idiom implies a failure to fulfill a responsibility or task.

we blundered

This suggests a significant and often clumsy mistake.

we miscalculated

This alternative specifically refers to errors in calculation or planning.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "we made a mistake"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we erred", "we were in error", or "we committed an error".

How can I make an apology more impactful after saying "we made a mistake"?

After acknowledging the mistake, clearly explain what went wrong, take responsibility, and outline the steps you're taking to correct the error and prevent it from happening again. Follow up with the measures being taken to rectify it.

What's the difference between "we made a mistake" and "we slipped up"?

"We made a mistake" is a general acknowledgment of an error. "We slipped up" suggests a minor, often unintentional, error or oversight.

Is it always appropriate to say "we made a mistake"?

While transparency is generally valued, consider the context. In some situations, especially high-stakes legal or PR scenarios, consult with experts before admitting fault. In everyday situations, being upfront can build trust.