noun
1
BAD : I apologize for our fault and will send you a full refund.
GOOD : I apologize for our mistake and will send you a full refund.
BAD : If you have time, could you correct the faults in this letter for me?
GOOD : If you have time, could you correct the mistakes in this letter for me?
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Use fault in connection with machines, electrical equipment, and someone's character: 'It sounds like there's a fault in one of the loudspeakers.' 'The secret of a successful relationship is to accept each other's faults.'
In connection with spellings, essays, calculations, decisions, etc, use mistake : 'There are always a lot of mistakes in Ivan's work.' 'We all make mistakes.'
2
BAD : Since we have the fault, we will not charge you for the dress.
GOOD : Since it is our fault, we will not charge you for the dress.
GOOD : Since we are to blame, we will not charge you for the dress.
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If you are responsible for something bad that has happened, it is your fault or you are to blame : 'It's not my fault that the car ran out of petrol.' 'The inquiry will try to establish who is to blame for the disaster.'