I confide that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I confide that" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when expressing trust or sharing a secret, but it is more formal and less frequent in modern usage. Example: "I confide that I have always admired your work and hope to learn from you."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I confide that I'm not on the best of terms with the former strike leader either, since he once threw me out of an interview with one of his candidates in the short-lived Socialist Labour Party for asking the wrong questions, and wouldn't allow his female candidate to speak up.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Tell him you're sorry for whatever!" a pal advised when I confided that time may be growing short.

Huffington Post

I confided that I had long admired their work.

The New York Times

But when I confided that what I was really looking for this summer was a youthful theme -- "you know, an outfit that screams 'Card me, please!' " -- she paused.

The New York Times - Tech

When I confided that I was anxious about writing a novel, worrying that I didn't know where it was headed, Denis said that that wasn't a problem.

The New Yorker

The three of us drank a toast with a verdant Mezcal Toba made from the tobala strain of agave, and I confided that the world of mezcal seemed so fathomlessly complex that I felt I would never be anything more than an amateur.

The Guardian - Travel

When I confided that I seemed to be hallucinating a crown on his head as if he were a prince, she saw it too.

Huffington Post

However, the health workers I spoke to confided that in rural areas, the onus of birth control fell onto the women who had to convince their partners to use the condoms.

Vice

Writing to Sommerfeld in 1947, Bethe confided that "I am much more at home in America than I ever was in Germany.

Wikipedia

So I trust he won't unleash the forces of hell if I reveal that he confided that at school, playground bullies –caring not a fig that he wasn't a Damien – bullied him over the 1970s horror film The Omen.

Independent

"Almost every student I work with has confided that in a funny way the event of the fire, although very difficult, has brought their work to a completely new level," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I confide that" when you want to emphasize the trust and confidentiality you are placing in the listener or reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I confide that" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Choose a more natural alternative like "I'll let you know that" or "I'm going to tell you that" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I confide that" functions as a declarative statement introducing information shared with a sense of trust or secrecy. Ludwig's analysis and examples illustrate its use to preface sensitive or personal disclosures, similar to other reporting verbs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I confide that" is used to introduce a piece of information that the speaker is sharing with a sense of trust or intimacy. Ludwig indicates that while grammatically correct, it is relatively uncommon and leans towards formality. Its function is to preface a disclosure, often of something personal or sensitive, with an expectation of discretion. More contemporary and less formal alternatives include phrases like "I share that" or "I reveal that". Usage contexts, as shown by Ludwig's analysis, are predominantly in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I share that

A more general way of saying you're making something known, without necessarily implying secrecy or trust.

I reveal that

Replaces 'confide' with 'reveal', suggesting a disclosure of information. It's slightly less personal and emphasizes the act of making something known.

I disclose that

Similar to 'reveal', but often used in more formal contexts or when the information was previously private.

I admit that

Implies acknowledging something that may be reluctant or previously denied.

I want to tell you that

A more direct and conversational way of introducing information.

Let me tell you that

Similar to 'I want to tell you', but suggests a slightly more personal or informal context.

I trust that

Shifts the focus to expressing a belief or expectation, rather than sharing a secret.

I can tell you that

Emphasizes the speaker's ability or permission to share the information.

It is my understanding that

Indicates the information is based on the speaker's comprehension or interpretation.

I can assure you that

Expresses a strong affirmation or guarantee regarding the information being shared.

FAQs

What does "I confide that" mean?

The phrase "I confide that" means that you are sharing something private or secret with someone you trust. It suggests a level of intimacy and reliance on the other person's discretion.

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

It is appropriate to use "I confide that" in situations where you are sharing sensitive information and want to emphasize the trust you have in the listener. It's best suited for formal or serious conversations. Consider alternatives like "I share that" or "I reveal that" for more casual settings.

Is "I confide that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I confide that" is grammatically correct. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, the construction is somewhat formal and less frequently used in modern English. There are more common alternatives that might sound more natural.

What are some alternatives to "I confide that"?

Some alternatives to "I confide that" include "I share that", "I reveal that", "I admit that", and "I want to tell you that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.