admit responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"admit responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you would like to express that someone acknowledges and takes ownership of a fault, mistake, or wrong-doing. For example, "He had to admit responsibility for his role in the data breach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Will Sony admit responsibility, out the people responsible, or even hand out NGPs as a sort of media payoff.

TechCrunch

An angry public is hungry for blame: "You want someone to admit responsibility, someone held accountable".

Independent

Union Carbide has yet to admit responsibility for a catastrophe, which it blames on "sabotage".

The New York Times

The IRA did not admit responsibility for their deaths until the 1990s.

The Economist

They rarely admit responsibility for failure, for costly meddling or for large-scale human suffering.

The New York Times

The court can't investigate guilt or innocence, so teenagers who don't admit responsibility stay in the formal system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

No party admitted responsibility.

The Economist

The Continuity IRA later admitted responsibility.

The Guardian

In court, he admitted responsibility, expressing "heartfelt sorrow".

The Economist

Today its commander admitted responsibility for the bombs.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Real IRA admitted responsibility for his murder.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "admit responsibility", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific action or event the responsibility is being admitted for. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Don't just "admit responsibility" without specifying what you are taking responsibility for. Saying "I admit responsibility" without context can sound insincere or incomplete. Always clarify the action, decision, or event you are acknowledging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admit responsibility" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of acknowledging accountability for an action, decision, or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "admit responsibility" is a common and grammatically sound way to express acknowledgement of accountability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, but also appears in formal business settings and to a lesser extent in scientific publications. While using this phrase, it's important to clearly specify what one is taking responsibility for to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Related phrases include "acknowledge culpability" and "accept the blame", which offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acknowledge culpability

Emphasizes formal recognition of guilt or blameworthiness.

Accept the blame

Focuses on bearing the consequences or negative repercussions.

Take ownership of the mistake

Highlights personal accountability for an error.

Confess fault

Implies a formal admission of wrongdoing, often with a sense of regret.

Own up to the error

Suggests taking responsibility in a straightforward, often informal way.

Acknowledge wrongdoing

Highlights recognizing that an action was morally or legally wrong.

Take responsibility

A more general term signifying acceptance of duties and obligations, including consequences.

Acknowledge accountability

Focuses on acknowledging the obligation to answer for actions or decisions.

Concede fault

Similar to confess, but can also mean reluctantly agreeing that one is at fault.

Bear the responsibility

Focuses on enduring the weight or burden of accountability.

FAQs

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

You can use "admit responsibility" to indicate that someone is acknowledging their role in something, as in, "The company had to "admit responsibility" for the environmental damage."

What's the difference between "accept responsibility" and "admit responsibility"?

"Accept responsibility" often implies a willingness to handle the consequences, while ""admit responsibility"" focuses on acknowledging the role in something, but the difference is minimal.

What are some alternatives to "admit responsibility"?

Alternatives include "acknowledge culpability", "accept the blame", or "take ownership of the mistake", each conveying a slightly different nuance.

Is it always best to "admit responsibility" after a mistake?

While admitting responsibility can show integrity and accountability, it's crucial to understand the implications and potential consequences. Seek legal advice if necessary before admitting to anything that could lead to legal repercussions.