admit as much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admit as much" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use it when someone is expressing reluctant acceptance or agreement about something. For example: "I may not be the best swimmer, but I have to admit as much."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They won't admit as much, naturally.

Independent

Will the courageous Lady admit as much?

The Economist

Drummond, however, would never admit as much.

The New Yorker

Even he would admit as much.

The Guardian - Opinion

The party's strategists admit as much.

The Guardian

State education officials admit as much.

The New York Times

Some council leaders will admit as much privately.

The Guardian - Opinion

And he's the first to admit as much.

Independent

He was honest enough to admit as much later.

The Guardian - Sport

Even the bill's Senate proponents admit as much, though not intentionally.

The New York Times

Though the committee, dealers and gallerists would never admit as much, it was a tentative affair.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admit as much" when you want to convey that someone is reluctantly acknowledging something, often something unfavorable or previously denied.

Common error

Avoid using "admit as much" when a full, enthusiastic endorsement is intended. This phrase implies a degree of reluctance or reservation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admit as much" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate an acknowledgment or concession, often with reluctance. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It shows that someone is willing to concede a point, even if unwillingly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "admit as much" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a reluctant acknowledgment or concession. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be aware that it implies a level of reservation, so it's best suited for situations where someone is not entirely enthusiastic about what they are acknowledging. Consider alternatives like "concede the point" or "acknowledge that much" if a stronger affirmation is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge that much

Emphasizes recognition and acceptance of a particular fact or situation.

recognize that fact

Highlights the cognitive process of understanding and accepting a truth.

concede the point

Focuses on the act of yielding in an argument or discussion.

I must concede

This is a more direct and personal way to express agreement.

accept that reality

Stresses the embrace of an existing condition, often unfavorable.

grant that much

Indicates a formal or reluctant agreement.

allow that much

Suggests permitting or conceding a certain point or degree.

confess to that extent

Implies a reluctant admission, often related to wrongdoing or fault.

own up to that degree

Suggests taking responsibility for a specific level or portion of something.

acquiesce to that extent

Indicates passive agreement or reluctant compliance.

FAQs

How can I use "admit as much" in a sentence?

You can use "admit as much" to show reluctant agreement, for example, "Even though he dislikes the plan, he had to "admit as much" when presented with the evidence."

What are some alternatives to "admit as much"?

Some alternatives include "concede the point", "acknowledge that much", or "grant that much", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "admit as much"?

It's appropriate when acknowledging something, often reluctantly, or conceding a point after some hesitation. For instance, "She didn't want to apologize, but she had to "admit as much" after reviewing the facts."

Is "admit as much" formal or informal?

"Admit as much" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly toward the formal side. It is suitable for news articles, business reports, and general conversation.