admits to doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admits to doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone acknowledges or confesses to having done something, often in a context where the action may be questionable or controversial. Example: "The politician admits to doing something unethical during the campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

One who cheerfully admits to doing so is Didier Krzentowski, the owner of the Parisian design gallery Galerie kreo.

The New York Times - Arts

She admits to doing things differently from Gene Russianoff, the combative staff lawyer with the Straphangers Campaign, a nonprofit transit riders advocacy group.

The New York Times

Deputy Inspector Charles P. Neacy, commander of the Major Case Squad, said: "We spoke to Michael and he admits to doing nine bank robberies.

The New York Times

He is shown on television and in newspapers chatting with his competitors, not shunning them, which is what he admits to doing before.

The New York Times - Sports

And although he admits to doing nothing illegal, he acknowledges "some warts" on his record and poor judgment in choosing some friends.

The New York Times

Jeremy Robert Webbb) spies on Toni through the hole in the door and admits to doing unspeakable things while listening to her answerphone message.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Her character Chenault paraded around in bathing suits and revealing summer dresses, which Heard admits to do as well.

Huffington Post

But that is all that I admit to doing..

The New Yorker

But that is all that I admit to doing...

The New Yorker

And they actually admitted to doing it, too.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't have to go back because he already admitted to doing it and everything.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admits to doing" when you want to convey that someone has acknowledged their involvement in an action, especially one that may be considered wrong or questionable. It often implies a degree of reluctance or reservation.

Common error

Avoid using "admits to doing" when the context doesn't involve an action or behavior. For example, it's incorrect to say "He admits to being tall". Instead, use "He admits that he is tall" or simply "He acknowledges that he is tall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admits to doing" functions as a verb phrase that introduces an admission or acknowledgement of performing an action. It connects a subject with the activity they are acknowledging, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Huffington Post

9%

The New York Times

6%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

The Guardian

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "admits to doing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate acknowledgement of an action, often with negative or sensitive implications. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media sources, showing a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, consider the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey, keeping in mind potential alternatives like "acknowledges doing" or "confesses to doing" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confesses to doing

Replaces "admits" with "confesses", implying a stronger sense of guilt or wrongdoing.

admits to having done

Adds "having" to specify the action is completed, creating a more formal tone.

acknowledges doing

Replaces "admits" with "acknowledges", offering a more neutral and less accusatory tone.

concedes to doing

Substitutes "admits" with "concedes", suggesting a reluctant agreement or acceptance.

owns up to doing

Replaces "admits" with the idiomatic "owns up to", indicating taking responsibility.

pleads guilty to doing

Introduces a legal context, indicating a formal admission of guilt.

accepts responsibility for doing

Shifts focus to responsibility rather than just admission.

admits culpability for doing

Uses "culpability" to highlight guilt or blameworthiness, increasing formality.

declares to have done

Replaces "admits" with "declares", changing the nuance to a formal statement.

avows to doing

Substitutes "admits" with "avows", indicating a firm and confident declaration.

FAQs

What's the difference between "admits to doing" and "confesses to doing"?

"Admits to doing" implies an acknowledgment of an action, while "confesses to doing" suggests a deeper sense of guilt or wrongdoing. Confessing carries a heavier connotation of admitting to something blameworthy.

When is it appropriate to use "admits to doing"?

It's appropriate when someone acknowledges involvement in a particular activity, often one that is sensitive or controversial. For example, "He admits to making a mistake" or "She admits to taking the money".

What are some alternatives to "admits to doing" that sound less accusatory?

Alternatives include "acknowledges doing", "concedes to doing", or "accepts responsibility for doing". These options provide a more neutral or less judgmental tone.

How can I use "admits to doing" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence structure follows the pattern: subject + "admits to doing" + the action (in gerund form). For example: "The suspect admits to stealing the car".