acknowledge wrongdoing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledge wrongdoing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of admitting that you have done something wrong. For example: "The CEO was forced to acknowledge wrongdoing on behalf of the company for failing to pay its workers a living wage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The sticking point, the people said, was Mr. Meister's demand that the bank acknowledge wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Banks are typically loath to acknowledge wrongdoing, fearing it could expose them to shareholder lawsuits.

The New York Times

The Working Families Party did not acknowledge wrongdoing in Tuesday's settlement.

The New York Times

As in most settlements, the city does not acknowledge wrongdoing in these cases.

The Guardian

4. Write fictional statements in which key figures in the scandal publicly acknowledge wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Banks are typically loath to acknowledge wrongdoing, fearing it could expose them to a raft of shareholder lawsuits.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Notably, Spurr has never acknowledged wrongdoing, let alone apologised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even without issuing a formal apology, government officials have begun acknowledging wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Mr. Simmons's inspection partner, Gerald Kelsey, a nine-year veteran, has not acknowledged wrongdoing.

The New York Times

In general, such agreements result in companies acknowledging wrongdoing by not contesting criminal charges, but without formally admitting guilt.

The New York Times

Like Mr. Lay, several of his associates in R&C paid to settle civil litigation without acknowledging wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acknowledge wrongdoing", clearly state what specific actions constituted the wrongdoing. Avoid vague or general statements.

Common error

Avoid using "acknowledge wrongdoing" in casual conversation. It sounds overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "admit fault" or "own up to it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acknowledge wrongdoing" functions as a verb phrase complemented by a noun, forming a direct object construction. It is primarily used to denote the act of admitting responsibility for an offense or error, often in formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acknowledge wrongdoing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, predominantly found in news and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its validity for expressing a formal admission of fault. Analysis reveals its function as a verb phrase forming a direct object construction, serving the purpose of conveying accountability and transparency. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal communication, as overusing it in casual settings may sound stilted. Consider alternatives like "admit fault" or "take responsibility" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admit fault

Focuses specifically on admitting responsibility for an error or mistake.

confess to error

Implies a more formal or serious admission of a mistake.

own up to mistake

Suggests taking personal responsibility for an error.

accept blame

Highlights the acceptance of responsibility for negative consequences.

take responsibility

Emphasizes assuming accountability for actions.

face the music

An idiomatic expression that means accepting the consequences of one's actions.

make amends

Focuses on taking action to repair the harm caused by the wrongdoing.

express remorse

Emphasizes showing regret or sorrow for the wrongdoing.

issue an apology

Highlights the act of formally expressing regret.

correct the error

Focuses on fixing the mistake without necessarily admitting fault.

FAQs

How to use "acknowledge wrongdoing" in a sentence?

The phrase "acknowledge wrongdoing" is typically used when someone formally admits to an error or offense. For example, "The company was forced to "acknowledge wrongdoing" after the investigation revealed fraudulent practices."

What can I say instead of "acknowledge wrongdoing"?

You can use alternatives like "admit fault", "confess to error", or "take responsibility depending on the context.

Which is correct, "acknowledge wrongdoing" or "acknowledging wrongdoing"?

"Acknowledge wrongdoing" is often used as an infinitive or in a general statement. "Acknowledging wrongdoing" is a gerund form and would be used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. For example: "Acknowledging wrongdoing is the first step toward recovery."

What's the difference between "acknowledge wrongdoing" and "express remorse"?

"Acknowledge wrongdoing" is primarily about admitting fault, while "express remorse" focuses on conveying feelings of regret or sorrow. One can acknowledge wrongdoing without necessarily expressing remorse, and vice versa.