are reluctant to admit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are reluctant to admit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's hesitance or unwillingness to acknowledge a fact or truth. Example: "Many people are reluctant to admit their mistakes, even when it is clear they were wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Students like music and TV that they are reluctant to admit to.

Harvard University

Yet politicians and central bankers are reluctant to admit to home-grown frailties.

The Economist

Yet Batkivshchyna and other opposition parties and activists are reluctant to admit this.

The Economist

MANY writers are reluctant to admit that there are autobiographical elements in their work.

The New York Times - Arts

Why? First, because ministers are reluctant to admit what they have done.

The Guardian - Opinion

And that is the real unsettling feeling we are reluctant to admit.

The New York Times

It's hard to predict voter turnout because people are reluctant to admit that they will not vote.

The New York Times

Countries not in the E.C. are eager to join, but its twelve members are reluctant to admit them.

The New Yorker

When judges and prosecutors are reluctant to admit procedural failings, this is a huge achievement for any film-maker.

The Economist

Leaders of the European Union say they are reluctant to admit Turkey mainly because of its shaky democratic credentials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Chiarelli adds that, "Too often, we are reluctant to admit mistakes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are reluctant to admit", consider the specific reason for the reluctance. Choosing a more precise synonym can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. For example, if the reluctance stems from fear, "are hesitant" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "are reluctant to admit" as a generic phrase. Instead, provide context or specify why the reluctance exists to give the statement more weight and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are reluctant to admit" functions as a verb phrase, expressing a subject's unwillingness or hesitation to acknowledge something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are reluctant to admit" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express hesitation or unwillingness to acknowledge something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. For alternative expressions, consider options like "are hesitant to acknowledge" or "are unwilling to confess", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to provide context for the reluctance to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are hesitant to acknowledge

Emphasizes a pause or delay in admitting something due to uncertainty or doubt.

are unwilling to confess

Highlights a stronger resistance to admitting something, often associated with guilt or shame.

are disinclined to concede

Focuses on a lack of willingness to yield or grant something, especially in an argument or debate.

are loath to acknowledge

Stresses a feeling of aversion or repugnance towards admitting something.

are resistant to accepting

Highlights opposition to embracing or believing something, often due to skepticism or disbelief.

are not keen to disclose

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or eagerness to reveal information.

fight shy of admitting

Highlights the action of avoiding or shying away from admitting something

are averse to revealing

Emphasizes a strong dislike or opposition to making something known.

are guarded about unveiling

Suggests caution and restraint in revealing something, often due to sensitivity or vulnerability.

are cagey when divulging

Implies secrecy and evasiveness when disclosing information.

FAQs

What does "are reluctant to admit" mean?

The phrase "are reluctant to admit" indicates an unwillingness or hesitation to acknowledge something, often due to embarrassment, fear, or other personal reasons. It suggests a resistance to accepting or revealing a particular truth or fact.

What can I say instead of "are reluctant to admit"?

You can use alternatives like "are hesitant to acknowledge", "are unwilling to confess", or "are disinclined to concede" depending on the context.

Is "are reluctant to admit" formal or informal?

The phrase "are reluctant to admit" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider more sophisticated synonyms to enhance the tone. The formality depends more on surrounding vocabulary.

How do I use "are reluctant to admit" in a sentence?

You can use "are reluctant to admit" to describe someone's hesitation in acknowledging something. For example: "Many companies are reluctant to admit they've been victims of cyberattacks."