admit the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admit the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to be honest, to accept responsibility for their actions, or to recognize a certain fact. For example: "I know it's hard to admit the truth, but you need to tell your parents what happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Refusing to admit the truth, even to himself, he tells everyone he's the band's manager.

The New York Times

Many firms might then have to admit the truth: that they simply cannot keep their promises.

The Economist

(The Soviets didn't officially admit the truth about Katyń until 1990, as their authority was waning).

The New Yorker

Neither the patient nor his family would ever admit the truth: that Flaubert had epilepsy.

The New Yorker

Only in her 1993 memoirs could Mrs Thatcher admit the truth.

The Guardian

Time to admit the truth: it had all been a lie and a waste.

The Guardian - Opinion

Done being the scapegoat for a team unwilling to admit the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

Or, as we come to suspect, is it for mothers who don't admit the truth?

The New York Times

"The Chinese authorities must come clean and admit the truth," she added.

The Guardian

But this celebrity is universally regarded as gorgeous, and my Midwestern roots make me hesitant to admit the truth.

The New York Times

But facing a disease with no cure, perhaps the father and others were afraid to admit the truth.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admit the truth" when emphasizing the act of acknowledging something previously denied or hidden, especially when it involves taking responsibility.

Common error

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "acknowledge" or "concede" for a more professional tone. Overusing "admit the truth" can sound overly dramatic or accusatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admit the truth" functions as a directive or statement urging or describing the acknowledgment of a fact, often one previously denied or concealed. It emphasizes the act of being honest and forthcoming. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "admit the truth" is a commonly used phrase that urges or describes the act of acknowledging a fact, often one that was previously denied or hidden. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media, aiming to encourage honesty and transparency. When writing, remember that while it's generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be suitable for professional or academic contexts. The phrase carries an authoritative tone and its overuse can be dramatic, so choose your words carefully to make an impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come clean about the situation

Suggests revealing all details of a previously concealed or misrepresented situation.

tell the unvarnished truth

Highlights presenting the truth without embellishment or softening.

acknowledge the reality

Focuses on accepting what is real, rather than specifically admitting something previously hidden or denied.

unveil the truth

Focuses on making the truth known, like uncovering a secret.

confess the facts

Implies revealing specific details, often related to wrongdoing or mistakes.

disclose the reality

Implies making something known that was previously private or confidential.

reveal the honest facts

Highlights the revealing of factual information in a honest way.

own up to the facts

Highlights taking responsibility for a situation, rather than just acknowledging the truth.

be candid about the situation

Refers to honest information about a certain situation.

face the reality

Emphasizes accepting a possibly unpleasant truth and dealing with it.

FAQs

How can I use "admit the truth" in a sentence?

You can use "admit the truth" to encourage someone to be honest, to accept responsibility for their actions, or to recognize a certain fact. For example: "I know it's hard to "admit the truth", but you need to tell your parents what happened."

What can I say instead of "admit the truth"?

You can use alternatives like "acknowledge the reality", "confess the facts", or "come clean about the situation" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly "admit the truth"?

No, sometimes implied acknowledgement or changes in behavior can serve as implicit admissions. However, explicitly stating the truth can be crucial for building trust and resolving conflicts.

What's the difference between "admit the truth" and "accept the reality"?

"Admit the truth" often implies acknowledging something previously denied or hidden, while "accept the reality" focuses on coming to terms with a situation, regardless of whether it was previously known or denied.