we were mistaken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were mistaken" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you made an error or misjudgement. For example, "We thought we had plenty of time to finish the project, but we were mistaken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Again we were mistaken.

The New York Times

We were mistaken on both of our assumptions.

The New York Times

"We thought the Taliban commander had embraced us, but we were mistaken".

The New York Times

(We were mistaken, of course. Every stumble, every murmur, is identical, every night).

The New Yorker

We were mistaken, he was told, about the rules for inclusion in the debate.

The New Yorker

In Istanbul now, the joke is that we were mistaken and Erdoan was indeed hiding his true colours.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Maybe we're mistaken".

The Economist

But, unless we are mistaken, there hasn't been much in the way of crockery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are mistaken if we think that Turkey can take away our problems or the refugee crisis; it cannot.

The Guardian - Opinion

But such an explanation will be implausible in cases in which we are mistaken about our desires.

SEP

We are mistaken if we believe our children require much.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were mistaken" to acknowledge a prior error or misjudgment, especially when reflecting on past decisions or assumptions. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "we were mistaken" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "our assessment was inaccurate" or "we were in error" when writing for highly formal or academic audiences to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we were mistaken" is as a declarative statement expressing an admission of error. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were mistaken" is a commonly used phrase to acknowledge a previous error or misjudgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing in various contexts from news articles to scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and audience of your writing. Key related phrases include "we were wrong" and "we were incorrect".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were wrong

Directly substitutes "mistaken" with its synonym "wrong", maintaining the original meaning.

we were incorrect

Replaces "mistaken" with "incorrect", indicating a deviation from what is accurate.

we miscalculated

Focuses on the act of miscalculating, implying an error in judgment or estimation.

we were in error

Uses a more formal tone to state that an error was made.

we were deceived

Suggests that the mistake was caused by external misleading information.

we were deluded

Highlights a self-deceptive aspect to the mistake, suggesting a stronger level of misbelief.

we were off base

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that the initial assumption or calculation was not correct.

we jumped to the wrong conclusion

Emphasizes the process of reaching an incorrect conclusion prematurely.

our assessment was inaccurate

Shifts the focus to the assessment itself, stating that it lacked accuracy.

we were under a false impression

Indicates that the mistake stemmed from a misunderstanding or incorrect belief.

FAQs

What does "we were mistaken" mean?

The phrase "we were mistaken" means that a group or individual made an error in judgment, held an incorrect belief, or miscalculated something. It's an admission of a past mistake.

What can I say instead of "we were mistaken"?

You can use alternatives like "we were wrong", "we were incorrect", or "we miscalculated" depending on the context.

Is "we were mistaken" formal or informal?

The phrase "we were mistaken" falls in a neutral register and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "we were in error".

How to use "we were mistaken" in a sentence?

You can use "we were mistaken" to admit a past error, for example: "We thought the project would be completed by Friday, but "we were wrong"."