I must admit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I must admit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that you are reluctantly conceding something, or that you are admitting something that you were previously unsure of. For example, "I must admit that the restaurant meal was much better than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I must admit I'm confused.

The Guardian - Arts

"I must admit it's true," Burt said.

The New Yorker

I must admit I'm not into it.

The New York Times

"I must admit it was the latter".

The Guardian - Sport

I must admit, I absolutely loved it.

The Guardian - Film

I must admit I felt very optimistic.

The Guardian

Mine, I must admit, are slightly mixed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And I must admit they're good.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And here I must admit a fear.

The Guardian - Books

I must admit I stopped counting.

The Guardian - Books

It was very rude, I must admit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I must admit" to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous expectation or belief to add nuance and sincerity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I must admit", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I must admit" functions as a discourse marker or sentence adverbial. It serves to signal a shift in perspective or the introduction of a possibly unexpected or contrasting statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it prefaces an admission or concession.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I must admit" is a very common and grammatically correct way to introduce a statement, often expressing a concession, surprise, or reluctant agreement. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in news and media, where it adds a layer of sincerity and transparency. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons, and consider alternatives like "I have to acknowledge" or "to be frank" to vary your language. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to soften potentially conflicting information and to invite understanding by the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have to acknowledge

Emphasizes the recognition of a fact or situation.

I have to concede

Directly implies conceding a point or fact, often reluctantly.

It's true that

Acknowledges the validity of a statement.

I'll be honest

More informal, emphasizing sincerity in the following statement.

In all honesty

Similar to "I'll be honest", stressing sincerity.

To tell the truth

Highlights that speaker is revealing something important.

To be frank

Highlights the speaker's intention to be direct and truthful.

I confess

Implies admitting something potentially embarrassing or discreditable.

Truth be told

Introduces a statement that might be surprising or contrary to expectations.

I'll give you that

Concedes a specific point, often grudgingly.

FAQs

How can I use "I must admit" in a sentence?

Use "I must admit" to introduce a statement that expresses a concession, surprise, or a reluctant agreement. For example, "I must admit, I was wrong about that".

What are some alternatives to "I must admit"?

You can use alternatives such as "I have to acknowledge", "to be frank", or "in all honesty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I must admit"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to introduce a statement, especially when admitting something unexpected or previously unacknowledged.

What's the difference between "I must admit" and "I should admit"?

"I must admit" implies a feeling of obligation or necessity in making the admission, while "I should admit" suggests a sense of moral or ethical correctness in doing so. The former is about acknowledging a fact, the latter about acknowledging a duty.