common mistake
خطأ شائع
Use it to kindly point out a frequent error while making the person feel less embarrassed.
15秒了解
- An error that happens frequently among many different people.
- A polite way to correct someone without being mean.
- Used for predictable errors in learning, work, or daily life.
意思
This is an error that many people frequently make because it seems logical or easy to overlook. It is a mistake that is so widespread that it becomes a recognizable pattern in learning or daily life.
关键例句
3 / 6Correcting a language learner
Don't worry, forgetting the 's' in 'he speaks' is a common mistake.
Don't worry, forgetting the 's' in 'he speaks' is a common mistake.
In a professional meeting
A common mistake in marketing is ignoring the target audience's age.
A common mistake in marketing is ignoring the target audience's age.
Texting a friend about a typo
Autocorrect changed 'home' to 'bone'—that's such a common mistake!
Autocorrect changed 'home' to 'bone'—that's such a common mistake!
文化背景
The phrase reflects a Western educational focus on 'error analysis' and the idea that mistakes are a shared part of the learning process. It is frequently used in self-help literature and business coaching to destigmatize failure. In the UK and US, it is a staple of 'polite correction' to avoid making others feel embarrassed.
The 'Polite Correction' Trick
If you need to tell your boss they are wrong, start with 'Actually, it's a common mistake to think...' It sounds much safer!
Don't overdo the 'Common'
If someone does something truly unique and weird, calling it a 'common mistake' might sound sarcastic or confusing.
15秒了解
- An error that happens frequently among many different people.
- A polite way to correct someone without being mean.
- Used for predictable errors in learning, work, or daily life.
What It Means
A common mistake is something people do wrong over and over again. It is not a unique or weird error. It is the kind of slip-up that happens because a rule is tricky. Think of it as a 'popular' error. If ten people take a test and eight miss the same question, that is a common mistake. It is the 'classic' way to mess something up.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase to be helpful or to soften a blow. Instead of saying 'You are wrong,' you say, 'That is a common mistake.' It makes the other person feel less lonely in their error. You usually place it after the verb 'to be' or use it as a noun phrase. For example, 'Mixing up "your" and "you're" is a common mistake.' It works perfectly when giving feedback or explaining a confusing topic.
When To Use It
Use it in the office when a teammate misses a deadline due to a confusing software setting. Use it when teaching a friend a new skill, like cooking or a language. It is great for texting when someone sends a typo. It is also perfect for self-correction. You can say, 'I made a common mistake and forgot my keys again.' It adds a touch of 'hey, we are all human' to the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for huge, catastrophic disasters. If someone accidentally burns down a house, calling it a common mistake sounds sarcastic or very rude. Avoid it when the error is extremely rare or unique to one person. Also, do not use it if you want to be very harsh or disciplinary. It is a 'gentle' phrase, so it does not fit in a high-stakes angry confrontation.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, people love to normalize failure to reduce anxiety. Using common mistake is a polite way to provide 'constructive criticism.' It suggests that the person is not 'stupid,' but simply fell into a well-known trap. There is a whole genre of internet articles titled '10 Common Mistakes...' because people are obsessed with avoiding these collective pitfalls. It is part of a 'growth mindset' culture.
Common Variations
You might hear people say frequent error in more technical settings. In casual talk, someone might call it an easy mistake to make. Teachers often call them typical errors. If the mistake is particularly silly, you might hear classic mistake. If you want to sound a bit more formal, you could use prevalent misconception. However, common mistake remains the king of everyday English.
使用说明
This phrase is extremely versatile and safe for almost any situation. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it a 'must-know' for both social and professional English.
The 'Polite Correction' Trick
If you need to tell your boss they are wrong, start with 'Actually, it's a common mistake to think...' It sounds much safer!
Don't overdo the 'Common'
If someone does something truly unique and weird, calling it a 'common mistake' might sound sarcastic or confusing.
The 'Classic' Twist
In the US, people often swap 'common' for 'classic' (e.g., 'Classic mistake!') when a friend does something predictably funny or silly.
例句
6Don't worry, forgetting the 's' in 'he speaks' is a common mistake.
Don't worry, forgetting the 's' in 'he speaks' is a common mistake.
Softens the correction for a student.
A common mistake in marketing is ignoring the target audience's age.
A common mistake in marketing is ignoring the target audience's age.
Used to share professional wisdom or observations.
Autocorrect changed 'home' to 'bone'—that's such a common mistake!
Autocorrect changed 'home' to 'bone'—that's such a common mistake!
Lighthearted and relatable.
Thinking I could finish this pizza alone was a common mistake of mine.
Thinking I could finish this pizza alone was a common mistake of mine.
Self-deprecating humor about a personal habit.
It's a common mistake to trust him with your secrets.
It's a common mistake to trust him with your secrets.
Used to give serious life advice based on experience.
It is a common mistake to assume that all data is accurate.
It is a common mistake to assume that all data is accurate.
Used to challenge a general assumption.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the phrase.
Mixing up the twin brothers is a ___ mistake for new neighbors.
While 'popular' means liked by many, 'common' describes something that happens frequently.
Complete the sentence to be polite.
It's a ___ mistake to forget your umbrella in London.
'Common' is the polite and natural way to describe a frequent occurrence.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Common Mistake'
Talking to friends about silly errors.
Classic mistake, dude!
The standard way to use the phrase.
That is a common mistake.
Academic or professional reports.
This represents a common mistake in the field.
Where to use 'Common Mistake'
Language Class
Grammar slips
Office Training
Software errors
Cooking
Adding too much salt
Dating
Being late
常见问题
10 个问题No, it is actually the opposite! It is a polite way to say someone is wrong by suggesting many others do the same thing.
Usually no. You wouldn't say 'Robbing a bank is a common mistake.' It is reserved for errors in judgment, learning, or small accidents.
They are very similar. An easy mistake implies the error is simple to make, while a common mistake focuses on how many people make it.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. For example: It is a common mistake to overlook the historical context.
It is always common mistake. 'Common' is the adjective describing the noun 'mistake'.
You can say, 'I made the common mistake of not checking the weather.' It makes you sound humble.
Yes, you can say common mistakes. For example: 'Here are the five most common mistakes in English.'
A popular slangy or casual version is calling something a rookie mistake, which means a mistake a beginner would make.
It is used equally in both. It is a universal English collocation.
No, that sounds very unnatural. 'Popular' implies people like the mistake, which isn't true!
相关表达
Rookie mistake
A basic error made by someone inexperienced.
Easy mistake to make
An error that is very understandable given the circumstances.
Classic mistake
A typical or predictable error, often used humorously.
Honest mistake
An error made without any bad intentions.
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