word usage - two questions

SinkFulloDishes · Sep 21, 2007

There is a small debate occurring on another site, so I thought I would turn to all of you here, as I have always found this to be a knowledge group.

The word in question is “mistake”. The definition that was quoted is from Merriam-Webster: “a wrong action or statement proceeding from faulty judgment, inadequate knowledge, or inattention”

First Question –
The scenario:
A character in a book commits an act that is generally viewed as wrong (in this example, cheating on her boyfriend, resulting in pregnancy), but later realizes that she was wrong and wishes she hadn’t done it. Is it proper use of the word “mistake” to claim that the character feels that she made a mistake in sleeping with the other guy? Or can the word mistake never be used to describe an “inherently wrong” act that was intentionally committed, regardless of the person’s feelings about their actions afterward?

Second Question –
From the same book, this is the scenario:
During a heated argument, one of the characters hits another character, and immediately feels terrible and realizes that he shouldn’t have done it. These two sentences were presented as examples of an incorrect way for the character to describe this particular situation using the word mistake, and a correct way:

1. “I hit you by mistake.” (incorrect)
2. “Hitting you was a mistake.” (correct)

Knowing the context, would you interpret the above sentences exactly the same way, or as having two separate meanings? One person suggested that saying, “Hitting you was a mistake” is the same thing as saying, “I hit you by mistake” due to “the realities of grammar”.

Thanks very much!

Sandi LeFaucheur · Sep 21, 2007

Knowing the context, would you interpret the above sentences exactly the same way, or as having two separate meanings? One person suggested that saying, “Hitting you was a mistake” is the same thing as saying, “I hit you by mistake” due to “the realities of grammar”.

The two sentences mean entirely different things. If you walk past someone, swinging your arms, you may hit him by mistake. You did not intend to him. However, if you punch someone in the nose and then realize you shouldn't have, you'd say "hitting you was a mistake". Particularly if you're 4 foot 8, and he's 6 foot 4.

As to your first scenario, at the time she committed the wrong, she had an error of judgment. It was dumb. It was wrong. She shouldn't have done it. It was a mistake. Not all mistakes are unintentional.

maestrowork · Sep 21, 2007

#1 I think it's okay to use "it was a mistake" under the definition of "faulty judgment." The character didn't know it was wrong (or we can argue that right or wrong is in the eye of the beholder -- there's no "inherently wrong" but only people's judgment on it). At any rate, intentional or not, the character didn't think it was "wrong" until later, so the action could be categorized as based on poor judgment. So "mistake" can be used.

#2 "Hit you by mistake" means the person didn't mean to. Ooops. The hand slipped. Didn't see you coming. etc. "Hit you was a mistake" means it was intentional and I meant it and the fist was meant for you, but I realized later that it was a mistake -- again, it's based on faulty judgment, and later the judgment is corrected.

girlyswot · Sep 21, 2007

SinkFulloDishes said:
There is a small debate occurring on another site, so I thought I would turn to all of you here, as I have always found this to be a knowledge group.

The word in question is “mistake”. The definition that was quoted is from Merriam-Webster: “a wrong action or statement proceeding from faulty judgment, inadequate knowledge, or inattention”

First Question –
The scenario:
A character in a book commits an act that is generally viewed as wrong (in this example, cheating on her boyfriend, resulting in pregnancy), but later realizes that she was wrong and wishes she hadn’t done it. Is it proper use of the word “mistake” to claim that the character feels that she made a mistake in sleeping with the other guy? Or can the word mistake never be used to describe an “inherently wrong” act that was intentionally committed, regardless of the person’s feelings about their actions afterward?

I think this does fit under the 'faulty judgment' definition. It was a mistake. But also, if the character 'feels it was a mistake' she could do that, even if she had misunderstood the word slightly. Feelings don't always follow the dictionary.

Second Question –
From the same book, this is the scenario:
During a heated argument, one of the characters hits another character, and immediately feels terrible and realizes that he shouldn’t have done it. These two sentences were presented as examples of an incorrect way for the character to describe this particular situation using the word mistake, and a correct way:

1. “I hit you by mistake.” (incorrect)
2. “Hitting you was a mistake.” (correct)

Knowing the context, would you interpret the above sentences exactly the same way, or as having two separate meanings? One person suggested that saying, “Hitting you was a mistake” is the same thing as saying, “I hit you by mistake” due to “the realities of grammar”.

Nope. The 'realities of grammar' are that these two sentences are used in quite different ways. The first indicates that the hit was an accident, never intended. The second could mean that, but is more likely to mean that in hindsight, with sober judgment, the hitter acknowledges that their action was wrong (again probably coming under the 'faulty judgment' part of the definition).

Thanks very much!

Hope that helps.

SinkFulloDishes · Sep 21, 2007

Thank you very much, I appreciate your help!

mkcbunny · Sep 23, 2007

I agree with everyone on #1.

On #2, "I hit you by mistake" implies that Character #1 meant to hit something but hit Character #2 instead. The second choice means what you intend it to mean. However, if this sentence is in dialogue, many people would say the first, so you should pick the one that sounds most natural for that character. Don't force a character to be awkwardly grammar conscious.

SinkFulloDishes · Sep 27, 2007

Just so that everybody has some context, as this is still going on, here is a link to the debate I referred to in my OP:

http://www.fanfiction.net/r/3788376/

It started with two reviewers disputing the author's use of the word mistake to describe a character who cheated on her boyfriend. A third reviewer (RTB) then stepped in to assure the author that based on the story she wrote, she had not used the word incorrectly. That reviewer was disputed, came back to clarify, and on and on.

As a third-party observer and a writer of original fiction, I was interested in the thoughts of other writers outside of fanfiction, since the issues at hand are not directly related to fanfiction. Thanks again!

word usage - two questions

SinkFulloDishes

Sandi LeFaucheur

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

girlyswot

SinkFulloDishes

mkcbunny

Bufflehead

SinkFulloDishes