Is it right to use MISTAKE instead of FAULT?

[Fang Fang]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Synonyms for error and fault", question 7

Don't even think of shifting the blame on me, please! It's not my ......... for what happened.

(a) fault
(b) error
(c) gaffe
(d) misunderstanding

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Synonyms for error and fault", answer 7

Don't even think of shifting the blame on me, please! It's not my fault for what happened.

Correct answer: (a) fault
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I wonder whether it is right to use "mistake" instead of fault?
It seems that "mistake", "fault", "error" have similar meanings, how to differentiate them from each other?

Many Thanks

FangFang

[Alan]

Hi FangFang,

You are right because all the verbs indicate that something is wrong or has gone wrong.

Fault is often associated with the idea of blame. You have done something wrong and you are responsible for this/you are to blame for this and it is your fault.

Mistake is usually used in connection with apology. If you make a mistake because you've made the wrong decision, you accept that you have done something wrong and you apologise for it.

Error is often connected to the idea of something being incorrect. You can choose the wrong word in a sentence. You press the wrong key on the keyboard and your computer shows that this is wrong and the word error appears on the sccreen.

These are a few examples of the differences but there are many more.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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