I do confess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I do confess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is admitting to something, often with a sense of formality or emphasis. Example: "I do confess that I have not been entirely honest about my feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I do confess that I already knew, at least slightly, all the other judges.

The Guardian - Books

I do confess, however, to taking pleasure in the passing on of certain trends, of which I have silently disapproved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Obviously he's now had to use his own judgment, but I do confess to you my astonishment at the choice he has made".

The Guardian

Dear readers, I do confess: I feel that, as a former premier, I should use a more substantial tool for political analysis than American sitcoms.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I do confess to frequently doing 'ma thang' right there in the lab.

Science Magazine

An introspective tune, Webb writes that "I am a whore I do confess / I put you on just like a wedding dress".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I hurt myself last night, but I can't say what I did," confessed one potential paramour over Pad Thai.

Huffington Post

I do, I confess, and maybe that's O.K.

The New York Times - Style

"If I didn't confess, I would have died".

The New York Times

"I didn't confess to anything," Dotson told a reporter outside that office, The Associated Press reported.

The New York Times - Sports

Do I confess what I've done?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I do confess" to add a touch of formality or emphasis when admitting something, especially when the admission might be surprising or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "I do confess" in casual conversation, as it can sound overly theatrical or insincere. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I admit" or "I have to say" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I do confess" functions as a declarative statement, used to introduce an admission or confession. The auxiliary verb 'do' adds emphasis to the confession, highlighting the speaker's acknowledgment of a fact or feeling. Ludwig AI recognizes the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I do confess" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce an admission or confession. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its usability in written English. While it carries a slightly more formal tone than simpler alternatives like "I admit", it is appropriate in various contexts, as shown by the examples from news articles, personal essays, and other sources. Use it to emphasize sincerity or add a touch of drama to your writing, but be mindful of the potential for overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I must admit

Indicates a slightly less formal admission, focusing on the speaker's obligation to reveal something.

I have to admit

Similar to 'I must admit', but conveys a sense of reluctance or obligation to confess.

I will concede

Suggests a yielding or reluctant admission, often in an argument or debate.

I acknowledge

A more formal and neutral way of admitting or recognizing a fact or situation.

I can't deny

Used to admit something is true despite a desire to contradict it.

I own up to

Implies taking responsibility for something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.

I have no choice but to admit

Emphasizes the inevitability or necessity of the admission.

I avow

A formal and emphatic declaration or admission.

I profess

Similar to 'I avow', but can also mean openly declaring a belief or feeling.

I bear witness

A solemn declaration, often in a legal or religious context.

FAQs

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

You can use "I do confess" to introduce an admission, often with a sense of formality. For example, "I do confess that I was mistaken" or "I do confess to having a sweet tooth".

What's the difference between "I do confess" and "I admit"?

"I do confess" often carries a stronger sense of formality and can imply a more significant admission than the more neutral phrase "I admit". It's also closer to the phrase "I avow".

What are some alternatives to "I do confess"?

Alternatives to "I do confess" include "I must admit", "I have to admit", or simply "I admit", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "I do confess"?

Yes, the phrase "I do confess" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms this, indicating the phrase is usable in written English.