Mistake vs Error: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Mistake" refers to incorrect choices or actions made by humans, while "error" is used more for technical or systematic faults.
Memory Tip: Mistake = human error, Error = technical glitch
Mistake has stress on second syllable, Error on first
mistake /mɪsˈteɪk/
nounA mistake is when you do something wrong.
Example:
I made a mistake when I called her by the wrong name.
Common patterns:
make a mistake
correct a mistake
mistake
verbTo mistake something means to understand it incorrectly or to identify it wrongly, often leading to an error in judgment or action.
Example:
I made a mistake when I called her by the wrong name.
Common patterns:
mistake someone for someone else
mistake something for something else
make a mistake
error /ˈɛrər/
nounAn error is a mistake or something wrong.
Example:
The computer showed an error message, so I need to restart it.
Common patterns:
make an error
correct an error
Common Mistakes
The software has a mistake in the code.
The software has an error in the code.
Errors are technical faults, like those found in software.
I made an error when I keyed in the wrong password.
I made a mistake when I keyed in the wrong password.
Mistakes are incorrect actions made by humans, such as entering the wrong password.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. I made a ____ when I called her by the wrong name.
2. I made a ____ when I called her by the wrong name.
3. The computer showed an ____ message, so I need to restart it.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse mistake / error again
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