What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
erroneously
Example
The news article erroneously reported that the company was going bankrupt. [erroneously: adverb]
Example
She erroneously assumed that he was the one who stole her phone. [erroneously: adverb]
mistakenly
Example
I mistakenly thought today was Friday instead of Thursday. [mistakenly: adverb]
Example
He mistakenly believed that she was the one who spread the rumor. [mistakenly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mistakenly is more commonly used than erroneously in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erroneously and mistakenly?
Erroneously is more formal than mistakenly and is often used in academic or professional writing.
