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  #1 (permalink)  
Old Feb 6th, 2006, 06:54 pm
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Default commit a mistake?

Is it possible to say commit a mistake?

Thanks for your help.

Mônica
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  #2 (permalink)  
Old Feb 7th, 2006, 12:18 am
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

it's not technically wrong though it isn't used. we usually say:

"commit a crime"
and
"make a mistake"

eric
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  #3 (permalink)  
Old Feb 12th, 2006, 06:47 pm
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

In novels and magazine articles you might see "commit" used with "error", for example "he committed a grave error" but that's really for dramatic effect!
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Old Mar 21st, 2006, 09:06 am
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

I'm pretty sure that I've also heard "commit an error", but make a mistake is the norm.
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Old Mar 21st, 2006, 09:07 am
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

Oh, I just read TLR's comment...ulp...sorry. So, yeah, the main point here (must stay focused) is not to make a mistake.
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  #6 (permalink)  
Old Mar 21st, 2006, 09:08 am
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

i think i've heard "commit an error" too but not a mistake...
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Old Apr 22nd, 2006, 08:02 am
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

mmm... I don't like how it sounds... but I would understand what you mean... it's not grammatically correct but understandable...
Natalia.
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  #8 (permalink)  
Old Apr 24th, 2006, 11:29 pm
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

I'm going to take a stab at it.

'commit' has the feeling of an offense, harm, or damage done. It also seems wittingly done. Thus, we use it with crime, murder, an offense...

A mistake is generally an accident or and done without malicious intent, generally unwittingly. So, it doesn't go well with commit.

'error' plays both sides of the fense. It can be used for both deliberate and unintentional actions and effects. So, we can use 'commit' with 'error' as well as 'make.'
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  #9 (permalink)  
Old Jun 17th, 2006, 04:08 am
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

No
Make a mistake
Commit a crime
Reagards
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  #10 (permalink)  
Old Jun 17th, 2006, 10:56 am
TLR TLR is offline
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

I like your explanation mesmark! Very clear. I'll come to you next time I'm looking for a grammar rule!!
Cheers!
TLR
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Old Jun 17th, 2006, 10:56 am
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

I like your explanation mesmark! Very clear. I'll come to you next time I'm looking for a grammar rule!!
Cheers!
TLR
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  #12 (permalink)  
Old Jun 20th, 2006, 10:48 pm
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Default Re: commit a mistake?

Quote:
Quote TLR
I like your explanation mesmark! Very clear. I'll come to you next time I'm looking for a grammar rule!!
Cheers!
TLR
Oh no !

It's all fun and games wen you know the answer or can figure it out. It's really frustrating at other times.
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