The verb to mistake · Conjugation
Past Simple of mistake
The answer: mistook
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to mistake is mistook.
Example: I mistook her for someone else.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | mistook |
| You | mistook |
| He / She / It | mistook |
| We | mistook |
| You (pl.) | mistook |
| They | mistook |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Mistaked ❌
Mistake works exactly like take → took → taken, because mistake = mis + take. So: mistake → mistook → mistaken, never mistaked.
2. You're mistaken = you are wrong
Mistaken is also an adjective: You're mistaken means you are wrong. If I'm not mistaken means if I am right.
3. Do a mistake ❌
A very common learner error. Always say make a mistake, never do a mistake: Everyone makes mistakes.
Practice quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of mistake?+
The Past Simple of mistake is mistook (like take → took). The past participle is mistaken (with -en). Mistake → mistook → mistaken.
Does mistake follow the same pattern as take?+
Yes! Mistake = mis + take. Take → took → taken; mistake → mistook → mistaken. Overtake, undertake and retake follow the same pattern.
How do you use mistake someone for someone?+
Mistake someone or something for someone or something else = to think they are another person or thing. I mistook her for her sister.
Is mistake a verb or a noun?+
Both. A mistake (noun) is an error. To mistake (verb) means to think one thing is another. Make a mistake = to do something wrong. By mistake = without wanting to.
What does if I'm not mistaken mean?+
If I'm not mistaken is a polite expression: it means if I am right. If I'm not mistaken, your name is Sarah? It makes what you say less direct.
Related pages: mistake Past Simple
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/mistake/past-simple
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
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More forms of the verb to mistake are coming soon.