Cool MateMake mistakes vs Slip
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Make mistakes
Top 1,000 (very common)
Slip
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
| Make mistakes | Slip | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //meɪk mɪsˈteɪks//🇺🇸 //meɪk mɪsˈteɪks// | 🇬🇧 /["/slɪp/","/slɪps/","/slɪpt/","/ˈslɪpɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/slɪp/","/slɪps/","/slɪpt/","/ˈslɪpɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to do something wrong or make an error | to slide or fall unintentionally |
| Example | Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. | Be careful not to slip on the wet floor. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | make a mistake, make mistakes, learn from mistakes, admit mistakes, correct mistakes | slip on ice, slip through the cracks, slip of the tongue, slip into a conversation, slip someone's mind |
| Antonyms | correct, perfect, succeed | grip, hold, steady |
| Common mistakes | Using 'make' with a plural noun incorrectly, e.g., 'makes mistakes', Confusing 'make mistakes' with 'do mistakes', which is incorrect, Using 'mistake' in singular when referring to errors in general | Confused with 'sneak' — they have different meanings., Using 'slip' as a transitive verb incorrectly., Mixing up 'slip' with 'trip' — they refer to different actions. |
| Usage notes | Used in everyday conversation and writing. Avoid in very formal contexts where 'errors' might be preferred. | Use 'slip' when referring to losing your grip or control, often in physical contexts. It's suitable in both casual and formal situations, but avoid using it in overly serious contexts unless it’s metaphorical. |
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Frequently asked questions: Make mistakes vs Slip
What's the difference between Make mistakes and Slip?
Make mistakes: to do something wrong or make an error Slip: to slide or fall unintentionally
Can you show an example of each?
Make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Slip: Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.
Can I use Make mistakes and Slip interchangeably?
Not always. Make mistakes and Slip are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.