acknowledges wrongdoing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledges wrongdoing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone admitting to a mistake or an unethical action they have taken. Example: "The report clearly acknowledges wrongdoing on the part of the organization, which is a crucial step towards accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such an agreement would list all of JP Morgan's alleged criminal wrongdoings but stop short of an indictment as long as the bank acknowledges wrongdoing and pays the fines.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

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

The New York Times

The company, Corfacts Inc. (also known as Metro Marketing, National Warranty Division and Warranty Warehouse.com) did not acknowledge wrongdoing.

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acknowledges wrongdoing", ensure the subject clearly understands the nature and implications of their actions. Use this phrase when an entity or individual formally recognizes their mistake or unethical behavior.

Common error

Don't use "acknowledges wrongdoing" when the admission is only implied or indirect. The phrase suggests a clear and explicit recognition of fault, not a subtle hint or veiled reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acknowledges wrongdoing" functions as a verb phrase, where "acknowledges" is the verb indicating the action of admitting or recognizing, and "wrongdoing" is the noun representing the unethical or illegal behavior that is being admitted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acknowledges wrongdoing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in news and formal business contexts. It signifies a formal admission of unethical or illegal behavior, indicating accountability. Ludwig AI highlights its correctness and usability. Alternative phrases include "admits fault" and "accepts responsibility", though "acknowledges wrongdoing" often carries a more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the acknowledgment is explicit and avoid implying it indirectly. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its importance in clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admits fault

Focuses on admitting a mistake or error.

accepts responsibility

Emphasizes taking ownership of the consequences of an action.

recognizes misconduct

Focuses on the recognition of improper behavior.

concedes error

Highlights the act of yielding or admitting to an error.

owns up to mistakes

Emphasizes taking personal responsibility for errors.

confesses to misdeeds

Implies a more formal or serious admission of wrongdoing.

takes blame

Highlights the acceptance of culpability.

admits liability

Focuses on acknowledging legal responsibility.

pleads guilty

Refers specifically to a legal admission of guilt.

fesses up

An informal way of saying "confesses".

FAQs

How can I use "acknowledges wrongdoing" in a sentence?

Use "acknowledges wrongdoing" to indicate a formal or explicit admission of fault. For example, "The company "acknowledges wrongdoing" in the report and pledges to improve its practices."

What are some alternatives to "acknowledges wrongdoing"?

You can use alternatives like "admits fault", "accepts responsibility", or "concedes error" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "acknowledges wrongdoing" and "admits fault"?

"Acknowledges wrongdoing" often suggests a more formal or official admission, while "admits fault" can be more general and informal. The former is often used in legal or business contexts.

Is it better to say "acknowledges wrongdoing" or "accepts responsibility"?

The best phrase depends on the context. "Acknowledges wrongdoing" emphasizes the admission of an unethical action, while "accepts responsibility" highlights taking ownership of the consequences.