Do a mistake vs Make a mistake

This is a very common question students have.

Is it “do a mistake”, or is it “make a mistake”?

To find out, read on.

 

Do a mistake

A very common error.

The verb “do” does not work with the noun “mistake”.

We all do mistakes. I sometimes do mistakes in English.

You cannot say “do a mistake” to mean that somebody accidentally did something incorrectly.

 

Make a mistake

This is the correct phrase.

The verb “make” is the only word that you can use in the context of doing something incorrectly by accident.

We all make mistakes. I sometimes make mistakes in English.

 

Common error

Occasionally, even native speakers of English say “do a mistake”. This error is common in long and complex sentences.

If the order of words is changed, then that especially can result in an error.

Take a look at these examples.

There are ten common mistakes that a lot of people – including myself – do when writing an e-mail. I was embarrassed when I forgot her name and called her “Rose”. But that’s a mistake that I unfortunately often do.

It should always be “make” rather than “do”.

Sentences like these are so complex that mistakes are basically inevitable.

But do not be confused by them. “Make a mistake” is the only correct phrase.

 

Summary

• “Do a mistake” is incorrect,
• “Make a mistake” is the correct way of saying that someone accidentally did something incorrectly.