Confession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Confession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is admitting to something, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "In my confession, I revealed my deepest fears and regrets to my closest friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have a confession to make.

The New York Times

Read more: Guantánamo torturer led brutal Chicago regime of shackling and confession Bad lieutenant: American police brutality, exported from Chicago to Guantánamo Plus: How Chicago police condemned the innocent – a trail of coerced confessions Latest: Follow the Guardian's investigation into Chicago's Homan Square.

The Guardian

There's also endless innuendo – "Yeezus just rose again" – and the odd wry confession: "I slightly scratched your Corolla [pause], OK I smashed your Corolla".

The Guardian - Music

She also asked Sir Jeremy Heywood, the cabinet secretary, to conduct a leak inquiry, and Carmichael went public with his confession and apology after the findings of that inquiry were published on Friday afternoon.

The Guardian

Reports filed by the police about the attack describe the confession of one leading member of the network responsible that he had instructed recruits to "take revenge against a series of rightwing figures, including Narendra Modi, or their [prayers] will not be accepted," the document says.

The Guardian

The trial included a taped confession in which he said he was a drug addict and had hired mercenaries for the attack.

The Guardian

After claims of torture, rendition, confession, aborted military commission and civilian trial, can anyone expect that justice will be served?

The Guardian - Opinion

Zuley, the other officers and assistant state's attorney John Dillon presented the shackled Johnson with a confession.

The Guardian

Related: Guantánamo torturer led brutal Chicago police regime of shackling and confession Dick Zuley's history as a military interrogator at Guantánamo and a police interrogator in Chicago scrambles that narrative.

The Guardian

"Dadayev's involvement in committing this crime is confirmed by, apart from his own confession, the totality of evidence gathered as part of this criminal case," said Judge Natalia Mushnikova.

The Guardian

It seems a confession of dark urges, a revelation of something violent in art itself.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a "confession", be specific and provide details to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Include relevant context to help readers understand the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "confession" when a simple admission or statement of fact is more appropriate. Reserve "confession" for situations involving wrongdoing or personal revelations.

Linguistic Context

The word "confession" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the act of admitting wrongdoing or revealing personal information. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it often carries a sense of guilt, repentance, or revelation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confession" is a noun that denotes the act of admitting wrongdoing or revealing private information. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically sound term, frequently appearing in diverse contexts like news and media, and carrying a sense of guilt or revelation. While often neutral, the term's formality varies. Related terms include "admission", "disclosure", and "acknowledgement", each carrying nuanced differences. When using "confession", clarity is key; reserve it for relevant situations. Understanding its function enhances writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Admission

Focuses more on the act of acknowledging something is true, often implying acceptance of responsibility.

Acknowledgement of guilt

Specifically refers to accepting responsibility for a wrongdoing.

Acknowledgement

Emphasizes recognition of a fact or truth, but may not necessarily include a feeling of guilt or wrongdoing.

A formal admission

Stresses the formal and official nature of accepting responsibility.

Disclosure

Highlights the act of revealing information, without necessarily implying guilt or wrongdoing.

Avowal

Implies a strong and open declaration or affirmation of something, like a belief or principle.

Revelation

Highlights the unveiling of something previously unknown or secret, often dramatic.

Declaration

Suggests a formal or official statement of facts, intentions or feelings.

Testimony

Implies a formal statement made under oath, often in a legal setting.

Profession

Emphasizes a public declaration of faith or belief.

FAQs

How is the word "confession" typically used in a sentence?

The word "confession" is often used to describe the act of admitting to wrongdoing or revealing personal secrets. For example: "His "heartfelt confession" surprised everyone."

What words can I use instead of "confession"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "admission", "disclosure", or "acknowledgement".

What is the difference between "confession" and "admission"?

"Confession" typically implies admitting to something wrong or secret, while "admission" is a broader term for acknowledging something is true, regardless of wrongdoing.

Is "confession" a formal or informal word?

"Confession" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its use often suggests a serious or significant disclosure. The level of formality depends on the surrounding language and the specific context in which it's used.