Grammar fix
common mistake
frequent error
A mistake that many people often make in a particular situation.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- A common mistake in English is forgetting to use articles like 'a' or 'the.'daily life
- One common mistake students make in the IELTS writing test is not answering all parts of the question.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: common mistake (in/with/about something)
WrongIt's a common mistake to forgetting the article.
RightIt's a common mistake to forget the article.
'A common mistake to + base verb' — not '-ing'.
Patterncommon mistake (in/with/about something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Frequently committed error' is stiff; 'a common mistake' is the everyday phrase.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
a common mistakemake ato + verbamong beginnersavoid
Don't confuse it
'Common mistake' is about errors made by lots of people, while 'personal mistake' is about something only you did.