Admit the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Admit the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to acknowledge or accept a fact or reality that they may be reluctant to face. Example: "After much discussion, I finally convinced him to admit the truth about what happened that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Admit the Truth: Dogs Are Just Furry Hostages Who Hate Us.

Vice

But they also can't admit the truth.

Yale University

Refusing to admit the truth, even to himself, he tells everyone he's the band's manager.

The New York Times

Many firms might then have to admit the truth: that they simply cannot keep their promises.

The Economist

(The Soviets didn't officially admit the truth about Katyń until 1990, as their authority was waning).

The New Yorker

Neither the patient nor his family would ever admit the truth: that Flaubert had epilepsy.

The New Yorker

Only in her 1993 memoirs could Mrs Thatcher admit the truth.

The Guardian

Time to admit the truth: it had all been a lie and a waste.

The Guardian - Opinion

Done being the scapegoat for a team unwilling to admit the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

Or, as we come to suspect, is it for mothers who don't admit the truth?

The New York Times

"The Chinese authorities must come clean and admit the truth," she added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "admit the truth", ensure the context implies a previous denial, doubt, or lack of transparency. Otherwise, consider using alternatives like "state the facts" or "confirm the details".

Common error

Avoid using "admit the truth" when a simpler statement of fact would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound accusatory or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admit the truth" functions as a call to acknowledge or confess a fact that has been previously denied or avoided. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts, emphasizing the act of revealing something that was once concealed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "admit the truth" is a commonly used phrase that functions as a call to acknowledge or confess a fact that has been previously denied or avoided. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile. Its communicative purpose is to encourage honesty, transparency, and accountability. While it can appear in both formal and informal contexts, it’s most prevalent in News & Media. When using "admit the truth", ensure that the context implies a previous denial or doubt, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as ""acknowledge the reality"" or ""confess the facts"" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acknowledge the facts

Similar to "acknowledge the reality", but more direct and less nuanced.

Acknowledge the reality

Focuses on recognizing the actual state of affairs, without necessarily implying a prior denial.

Accept the reality

Similar to "Acknowledge the reality", emphasizes acceptance, conveying a sense of inevitability or resignation.

Confess the facts

Emphasizes the act of confessing or revealing factual information, often implying guilt or wrongdoing.

Be honest about it

Highlights the importance of being truthful, usually with the intent of convincing someone of authenticity.

Come clean

Suggests revealing all relevant information, especially after a period of concealment or dishonesty.

Tell the truth

A more general expression indicating the act of providing truthful information.

Face the facts

Highlights the importance of confronting unpleasant or difficult realities directly.

Acknowledge what happened

Specifically refers to recognizing and accepting a past event or occurrence.

Own up to it

Implies taking responsibility for one's actions or involvement in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "Admit the truth" in a sentence?

You can use "Admit the truth" to encourage someone to acknowledge something they have been avoiding, such as: "After much deliberation, he had to "admit the truth" about his feelings."

What are some alternatives to "Admit the truth"?

Alternatives include "acknowledge the reality", "confess the facts", or "come clean" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "admit the truth" or "tell the truth"?

"Admit the truth" implies a prior reluctance or denial, while "tell the truth" is a more general request for honesty. Use ""admit the truth"" when someone has been avoiding or hiding something.

What's the difference between "acknowledge the truth" and "admit the truth"?

"Acknowledge the truth" suggests recognizing the validity of something, whereas ""admit the truth"" implies a previous denial or resistance to accepting it. "Admit the truth" suggests a stronger sense of revelation or confession.