I profess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I profess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is declaring or affirming something, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "I profess my love for literature and the impact it has had on my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Nonetheless, I profess an admiration for 2001.

The Guardian

There's something I must love about the insecurity I profess to hate".

The Guardian

Looking back, I am ashamed that I have not always upheld the values that I profess and believe in".

The New York Times

Even so, whenever I profess my love for Little Women I feel like I'm making a confession.

The Guardian - Film

I take my refuge in the sangha (monastic community)." Even earlier perhaps are such Zoroastrian formulations as "I profess myself a Mazdā-worshipper, a Zoroastrian, enemy of the demons, servant of the Lord" (Yasna 12,1).

Encyclopedia Britannica

I hope if that does happen that I will have the capacity to live in accordance with the values I profess – that I will advocate and be compassionate; that I will live in the love that my special child brings to this world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Her letters are still read with interest, and, in his exile at St. Helena, Napoleon I professed to prefer them to those of Mme de Sévigné.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To the Michigan side, I professed amazement at Buckeye receiver Reggie Germany's 0.0 G.P.A. and sang along with Eric's Ohio State fight-song parody lyrics.

The New York Times - Sports

I professed my love for the way he and his teammates had played, but he detected criticism of modern-day Russia.

The New Yorker

"I had expressed my personal objections and views to some agency colleagues about certain of those EIT's, such as waterboarding, nudity and others where I professed my personal objections to it.

The Guardian

"I professed my faith to the Lord Jesus Christ when I was 9 years old in the Pulaski Heights Baptist Church" in Little Rock, he said, omitting the other denominations in which he has practiced his faith.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I profess" when you want to make a formal or serious declaration of your beliefs, feelings, or affiliations.

Common error

Avoid using "I profess" in casual conversation. Its formality can sound out of place in informal contexts. Consider using more natural alternatives like "I think" or "I believe" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I profess" is that of a declarative phrase. It introduces a formal statement or avowal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Examples in Ludwig show it used to declare beliefs, feelings, and affiliations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I profess" is a grammatically correct declarative phrase used to make formal declarations of belief, feeling, or affiliation. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage. While not overly common, it finds its place in news, encyclopedias, and opinion pieces. It's important to reserve this phrase for situations where a formal tone is appropriate, as noted earlier. Remember, while alternatives such as "I declare" or "I affirm" exist, "I profess" carries a specific weight of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I declare

Emphasizes a formal announcement or affirmation.

I affirm

Highlights a strong, confident statement of truth.

I avow

Suggests a solemn or earnest declaration.

I attest

Implies witnessing or certifying something as true.

I acknowledge

Focuses on recognizing or admitting something.

I confess

Indicates admitting something, often something private or potentially embarrassing.

I maintain

Stresses holding firmly to a belief or opinion.

I proclaim

Suggests announcing something publicly and often with enthusiasm.

I assert

Highlights confidently stating something as a fact.

I vouch

Implies guaranteeing or supporting the truth of something.

FAQs

How can I use "I profess" in a sentence?

Use "I profess" to formally declare a belief, feeling, or opinion. For example, "I profess my unwavering support for this cause."

What can I say instead of "I profess"?

You can use alternatives like "I declare", "I affirm", or "I avow" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I profess that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to follow "I profess" with "that" to introduce a clause. For example, "I profess that I am committed to this project."

What is the difference between "I profess" and "I confess"?

"I profess" is used to openly declare a belief or feeling, while "I confess" is used to admit something, often something private or potentially embarrassing. The key difference lies in the nature of the statement being made.