What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
err
Example
I'm sorry, I erred in my calculations. [err: verb]
Example
The hiker erred from the trail and got lost. [erred: past tense]
Example
She erred in her response to the question. [erred: past participle]
mistake
Example
I made a mistake by sending the email to the wrong person. [mistake: noun]
Example
He mistook her for someone else and greeted her by the wrong name. [mistook: past tense]
Example
Don't mistake his kindness for weakness. [mistake: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mistake is more commonly used than err in everyday language and is more versatile in terms of formality and context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between err and mistake?
Err is typically associated with a more formal tone, while mistake can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
