what a mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

'what a mistake' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It expresses regret or surprise at something that has been done or said. For example: "I shouldn't have said that - what a mistake!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oh my, what a mistake.

The New York Times

Oh, what a mistake!

The Washington Post

"I realized what a mistake it was".

The New York Times - Sports

But then what a mistake!

The Guardian - Sport

"What a mistake I made".

The New York Times

What a mistake that would have been.

The New York Times

"Il Trovatore": what a mistake that was!

The New York Times

What a mistake — we tore through it in no time.

The New York Times

"What a mistake," he said under his breath.

The New York Times

TRUMP: You'll have to define what a mistake means.

The Washington Post

What a mistake that turned out to be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what a mistake", ensure the context clearly indicates what the mistake refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of the phrase.

Common error

While "what a mistake" is effective, avoid using it repetitively in close proximity. Vary your expressions of regret or error to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a mistake" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey regret, disappointment, or realization about an error or misjudgment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a mistake" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express regret or realization of an error. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It's primarily found in News & Media contexts, reflecting its use in reporting and commentary. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse and ensure clarity in the context to maximize its impact. Considering alternatives such as "how wrong I was" or "what a blunder" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I shouldn't have done that

Expresses regret about a specific action taken.

what a blunder

Highlights a clumsy or foolish error, often with a sense of embarrassment.

that was a regrettable decision

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the action.

how wrong I was

Emphasizes personal error or misjudgment; focuses on the speaker's change in perspective.

that was an error in judgement

Highlights the lapse in decision-making that led to the undesirable outcome.

that was a lapse in judgment

Points out a temporary failure in one's ability to reason or make sound decisions.

what a miscalculation

Focuses on an error in judgment or planning, often in a more formal or strategic context.

I really messed up

Emphasizes the speaker's responsibility for the error, often in a more informal context.

that was ill-advised

Highlights the lack of wisdom behind a decision or action, implying it was poorly considered.

it was not my best move

Understates the mistake, suggesting it was simply not the optimal choice.

FAQs

How can I use "what a mistake" in a sentence?

Use "what a mistake" to express regret or realization about an error. For example, "I invested in that company, "what a mistake" that was!"

What can I say instead of "what a mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "how wrong I was", "what a blunder", or "I shouldn't have done that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "what a mistake I did" instead of "what a mistake"?

No, "what a mistake I did" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is simply ""what a mistake"". The phrase already implies that an action has been done.

What's the difference between "what a mistake" and "that was a mistake"?

"What a mistake" is a more exclamatory and immediate expression of regret, while "that was a mistake" is a more detached and retrospective statement.