widespread mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error or misconception that is common or prevalent among a large group of people. Example: "The belief that all swans are white is a widespread mistake that many people hold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She doesn't make the widespread mistake of looking searchingly into Siegfried's face as he unfolds her at the start of the "White Swan" pas de deux; the drama begins with her reluctance even to meet his gaze.

The New York Times - Arts

It was, rather, the use of sentences that began "Bob and me," as in "Bob and me went to play baseball," a widespread mistake that occurred through sixth grade and even beyond.

The New York Times

Save perhaps for the attribution of the F=ma form of the second law to the Principia, the most widespread mistake about Newton's three laws of motion is that they alone sufficed for all problems in classical mechanics.

SEP

The most widespread mistake was a failure to include exons encoding TM domains into gene structure prediction.

BMC Genomics

"To think that the neoimpressionists are painters who cover canvases with little multicolored spots is a rather widespread mistake," wrote Paul Signac in his manifesto of their movement.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The agreements stem from the reviews of individual loan files that regulators ordered in 2011 and 2012, after widespread mistakes were discovered in the way mortgage servicers had processed home seizures.

The New York Times

The Post attributes this startlingly widespread milk mistake to Americans' on-going separation from the agriculture industry behind our food.

Vice

Democratic candidates were battling President Obama's forty-per-cent approval rating and a widespread (albeit mistaken) belief that the economy was still in recession.

The New Yorker

He said the Treasury's statements tended to contribute to a "widespread, but mistaken, belief that TARP is at or near its end".

The New York Times

There is a widespread and mistaken assumption, Forrest-Thomson argues, that poetry is important for what it tells us about the external world.

The Guardian - Books

On matters of substance, she hits Obama where he is weakest, exploiting the widespread (and mistaken) perception that his policies, and the economic philosophy they are based on, have failed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread mistake", clearly identify the mistake and, if possible, explain why it is incorrect to ensure clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread mistake" if you only have anecdotal evidence. Ensure that the mistake is genuinely common and not just an isolated incident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread mistake" functions as a noun phrase where "widespread" modifies the noun "mistake". It highlights the extent to which an error or misconception is prevalent. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widespread mistake" is used to describe a common error or misconception across various domains. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it serves to highlight and correct common misunderstandings. When employing this phrase, clearly identify the specific error to enhance clarity. Alternative phrases like "common misconception" or "prevalent error" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common misconception

Focuses on the idea being misunderstood rather than the prevalence of the error.

prevalent error

Emphasizes the frequency of the error occurring.

general fallacy

Highlights the flawed reasoning behind the mistake.

widely held belief (but incorrect)

Specifies that the mistaken idea is something many people think is true.

rampant misunderstanding

Suggests the misunderstanding is spreading quickly and uncontrollably.

common blunder

Refers to a careless or stupid mistake that is frequent.

popular delusion

Implies a collective false belief affecting a community.

ubiquitous error

Stresses the error is present everywhere.

broadly accepted falsehood

Highlights the widespread acceptance of something untrue.

pervasive inaccuracy

Emphasizes the error's deep penetration throughout a system or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "widespread mistake" to describe a common error or misconception, such as "It's a "widespread mistake" to assume that all carbohydrates are unhealthy".

What are some alternatives to "widespread mistake"?

Alternatives include "common misconception", "prevalent error", or "general fallacy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "common mistake" or "widespread mistake"?

"Common mistake" indicates that the error is frequent, while ""widespread mistake"" emphasizes that the error is prevalent among a large group of people. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between a "mistake" and a "misconception" in the context of a "widespread" issue?

A mistake is generally an error in action or judgment, whereas a "misconception" is a false or inaccurate view or idea. A ""widespread mistake"" might refer to a common procedural error, while a "widespread misconception" indicates a commonly held but incorrect belief.