make a mistake

Meaning

This collocation means to do something wrong, incorrect, or accidental. It is used in both casual and formal situations when someone makes an error. In English, we always pair 'mistake' with the verb 'make', not 'do'.

Examples

• It's okay to make a mistake; that's how we learn.

  It's okay to make a mistake; that's how we learn.

• I think I made a mistake on my tax form.

  I think I made a mistake on my tax form.

• Please double-check your work so you don't make a mistake.

  Please double-check your work so you don't make a mistake.

• She realized she made a mistake as soon as she sent the email.

  She realized she made a mistake as soon as she sent the email.

• He made a huge mistake by leaving his car unlocked overnight.

  He made a huge mistake by leaving his car unlocked overnight.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I did a mistake on the test.

  ✓ I made a mistake on the test.

  'Mistake' always collocates with the verb 'make', never 'do'.

• ✗ He committed a mistake.

  ✓ He made a mistake.

  'Commit' is too formal and usually used for crimes or serious offenses, not everyday errors.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't worry if you ___; just try again.

  💡 To do something wrong or incorrect.

  Show answer

  make a mistake

• I think the cashier ___ and gave me too much change.

  💡 Use the past tense.

  Show answer

  made a mistake