make a mistake

You use this phrase with the verb make. Never say "do a mistake." That is a common trap! You can say I made a mistake for the past. You can also add adjectives to show the scale. Use a small mistake for tiny errors. Use a huge mistake when things go really wrong. It is a very flexible phrase for daily life.

Use it whenever you need to admit an error. At a restaurant, you might say, "I think you made a mistake on the bill." With friends, you might confess, "I made a mistake and forgot your birthday." It works perfectly in professional emails too. It sounds honest and direct. It shows you are taking responsibility for the slip-up.

Don't use it for intentional bad behavior. If someone hits your car on purpose, they didn't make a mistake. They committed an act. Also, avoid it for very formal legal settings where words like error or negligence are preferred. If you just forgot a word while speaking, you don't always need to announce it. Just keep talking!

In English-speaking cultures, admitting you made a mistake is often seen as a sign of maturity. There is a famous saying: "To err is human." This means everyone messes up sometimes. People generally appreciate it when you admit an error quickly. It builds trust in friendships and at work. It's better to say it than to hide it.

You will often hear people say mess up or screw up in casual talk. These are more informal versions of make a mistake. In business, you might hear oversight. If you make a very silly or clumsy error, you might say you goofed. But make a mistake remains the gold standard for any situation.