What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mistake
Example
I made a mistake in my math calculation. [mistake: noun]
Example
She mistook him for her brother. [mistook: past tense of mistake]
slip
Example
I slipped on the wet floor and fell. [slipped: past tense of slip]
Example
He made a slip of the tongue and revealed the secret. [slip: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mistake is more commonly used than slip in everyday language. Mistake is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slip is less common and often used in informal language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mistake and slip?
Mistake is more formal than slip. Mistake can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while slip is more commonly used in informal language.
