I am guilty of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am guilty of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you feel responsible for something. For example, "I am guilty of not finishing my essay on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am guilty of this myself.

The New York Times

I am guilty of that and more.

The New Yorker

I am guilty of it sometimes, too.

The New York Times

I am guilty of these habits myself.

The New York Times

I am guilty of it myself.

The New York Times

This is a thoughtless act that I am guilty of.

University of California, Berkeley

The only crime I am guilty of is ambition".

The Guardian

"I know I am guilty of that," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I am guilty of not paying her enough attention.

The Guardian

Finally, I am guilty of "condescending to a refugee".

The New York Times

I am guilty of using dollar signs as proof of a work of art's longevity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am guilty of" to acknowledge a mistake, wrongdoing, or fault, clearly and directly accepting responsibility.

Common error

While "I am guilty of" is a strong statement of accountability, avoid overusing it, especially in contexts where a simpler admission or acknowledgement would suffice. Overuse can make you sound overly self-critical or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am guilty of" functions as a declarative statement admitting responsibility or culpability for an action, behavior, or state. It serves to acknowledge one's involvement in something considered wrong or undesirable. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am guilty of" is a versatile expression used to admit fault, wrongdoing, or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Primarily found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it carries a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives like "I confess to" or "I admit to" can offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. When using this phrase, it's best to be direct and sincere, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact and credibility. Remember to consider the context and your intended message when choosing this powerful admission.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I admit to

This alternative directly acknowledges a truth, often something negative or undesirable.

I'm to blame for

This alternative directly places the responsibility or fault on the speaker.

I confess to

This alternative is a formal way of admitting wrongdoing or acknowledging something.

I own up to

This alternative suggests taking ownership of a mistake or misdeed, often in a candid way.

It was my fault that

This alternative clearly states that the speaker's actions caused a negative outcome.

I take responsibility for

This alternative focuses on accepting accountability for an action or outcome.

I was wrong to

This alternative acknowledges that the speaker's actions were incorrect or inappropriate.

I acknowledge

This alternative emphasizes recognition or awareness, which may or may not imply guilt.

I'm responsible for

This alternative indicates that the speaker caused something or is in charge of it.

I erred in

This alternative provides a formal and direct way of stating a mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "I am guilty of" in a sentence?

Use "I am guilty of" to admit to a fault, mistake, or wrongdoing. For example, "I am guilty of procrastinating on this project".

What are some alternatives to saying "I am guilty of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I confess to", "I admit to", or "I take responsibility for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I am guilty of" or "I'm responsible for"?

Whether to use "I am guilty of" or "I'm responsible for" depends on the context. "I am guilty of" typically implies a violation of rules or expectations, while "I'm responsible for" suggests accountability for an outcome or task.

What's the difference between "I am guilty of" and "I acknowledge"?

"I am guilty of" is a direct admission of wrongdoing. "I acknowledge", on the other hand, simply means that you recognize or are aware of something, which may or may not imply guilt.