I confess that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I confess that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when admitting to something or revealing a truth that may be difficult to share. Example: "I confess that I have not been completely honest about my feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I confess that risotto is often my nemesis.

The New York Times

But I'm not, I confess, that bothered either way.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I confess that Haneke does not especially strike me that way either.

The Guardian - Film

I confess that I'm not.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, I confess that I'm puzzled.

The Economist

I confess that I like the genre.

The New Yorker

I confess that I do not know.

The Guardian - Money

I confess that I do not.

Independent

I confess that I have not.

The New York Times

I confess that I can't help myself.

The New York Times

I confess that I am not.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I confess that" to introduce a personal admission or reveal a potentially surprising or sensitive truth.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "I confess that" as it can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I confess that" functions as a discourse marker or sentence adverbial, introducing a statement or admission. It signals a personal revelation or acknowledgment, often of something the speaker might be hesitant to share. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase commonly precedes an admission or personal disclosure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Arts

10%

Food

5%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I confess that" is a versatile expression used to introduce a personal admission or revelation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it carries a slightly formal tone, it effectively signals sincerity and authenticity. For alternatives, consider "I admit that" or "to be honest", keeping in mind the subtle differences in meaning and context. Remember to avoid overusing "I confess that" to maintain a natural and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I admit that

A more direct and common way to acknowledge something, often implying a fault or mistake.

I must admit that

Emphasizes the speaker's reluctance or surprise in making the admission.

I acknowledge that

A more formal way to recognize or accept the truth or existence of something.

I have to say that

Introduces a personal opinion or observation, often with a hint of reservation.

I concede that

Admits something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it.

In all honesty

Similar to "to be honest" but with a stronger emphasis on sincerity.

To be honest

A simpler, more conversational way to introduce a sincere statement.

It is true that

Confirms the veracity of a statement, sometimes in response to a challenge.

Frankly,

Indicates a candid and perhaps blunt statement.

I will say this

Emphasizes the importance or certainty of the speaker's statement.

FAQs

How can I use "I confess that" in a sentence?

Use "I confess that" to introduce a statement where you admit to something, often something personal or potentially surprising. For example, "I confess that I've never seen Star Wars".

What can I say instead of "I confess that"?

You can use alternatives like "I admit that", "I acknowledge that", or "to be honest" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I confess that" or "I admit that"?

"I confess that" carries a stronger sense of admission, often implying a personal revelation or something potentially negative. "I admit that" ("I admit that") is more general and can be used for simply acknowledging a fact.

When is it appropriate to use "I confess that"?

It is suitable when you want to introduce a statement that might be unexpected or that you have been hesitant to share. It's also appropriate in more formal or reflective writing.