By mistake
adverb
Accidentally or without intending to.
I sent the email to everyone by mistake.

Often appears as...
- did it by mistake
- sending by mistake
adverb
Accidentally or without intending to.
I sent the email to everyone by mistake.

Often appears as...
- did it by mistake
- sending by mistake
Definition 1 of 1

Common Mix-Ups
Remember, 'by mistake' means accidentally, not out of ignorance or a lack of skill.

He didn't fail the test by mistake; he just didn't study.
Not Interchangeable
'By mistake' and 'on purpose' are opposites. Don't confuse them when speaking or writing.

You dropped your phone by mistake, not on purpose.
Feeling Conveyed
Using 'by mistake' can express regret or embarrassment over the unintended action.

I called you by mistake last night; I'm so embarrassed!
Common Mix-Ups
Remember, 'by mistake' means accidentally, not out of ignorance or a lack of skill.

He didn't fail the test by mistake; he just didn't study.
Not Interchangeable
'By mistake' and 'on purpose' are opposites. Don't confuse them when speaking or writing.

You dropped your phone by mistake, not on purpose.
Feeling Conveyed
Using 'by mistake' can express regret or embarrassment over the unintended action.

I called you by mistake last night; I'm so embarrassed!
Common Mix-Ups
Remember, 'by mistake' means accidentally, not out of ignorance or a lack of skill.

He didn't fail the test by mistake; he just didn't study.
Not Interchangeable
'By mistake' and 'on purpose' are opposites. Don't confuse them when speaking or writing.

You dropped your phone by mistake, not on purpose.
Feeling Conveyed
Using 'by mistake' can express regret or embarrassment over the unintended action.

I called you by mistake last night; I'm so embarrassed!
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