but I admit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but I admit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to acknowledge a truth or a personal feeling, often in contrast to a previous statement. Example: "I think I have a good grasp of the material, but I admit I struggled with the last chapter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

BUT I admit to a fondness for gabelfrühstück that is on most days simply grounded in hunger.

The New York Times - Travel

But I admit to my past.

The New York Times

But, I admit, I've softened of late.

The Guardian - Music

"Yeah, but I admit it.

The Guardian

But I admit I've seen it.

The Guardian - Sport

But I admit this is shaky ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I admit to two failings.

The New York Times - Health

But I admit that I sometimes tired.

The Guardian - Books

But I admit, the time we shar'd wast fun.

The New Yorker

But I admit that I've messed with guys' heads.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I admit there's more work to do".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but I admit" to introduce a concession or acknowledge a contrasting point after making a statement. It adds nuance and shows awareness of different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "but I admit", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases or rephrasing the sentence to introduce the concession more subtly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but I admit" functions as a concessive conjunction, connecting two contrasting ideas or statements. It allows the speaker or writer to acknowledge something that might weaken or contradict their previous assertion. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but I admit" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a contrasting point or acknowledgment after a previous statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. The phrase serves to add nuance, honesty, and intellectual fairness to your writing or speech. While it's a versatile expression, it's essential to avoid overuse to maintain clarity and flow. Several alternatives, such as "however I concede" and "yet I acknowledge", can be used to provide variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, I concede

Replaces "but" with "however" for a more formal tone, and "admit" with "concede", which implies reluctantly acknowledging something.

yet, I acknowledge

Uses "yet" instead of "but" to introduce a contrasting element, and "acknowledge" as a more formal synonym for "admit".

still, I confess

"Still" functions similarly to "but", while "confess" suggests admitting something potentially negative or embarrassing.

nevertheless, I own

Replaces "but" with "nevertheless" for a stronger sense of contrast, and "admit" with "own", implying taking responsibility for something.

even so, I recognize

"Even so" provides a similar function to "but", and "recognize" suggests acknowledging something's validity or existence.

that being said, I grant

Introduces a concession with "that being said", and uses "grant" to indicate conceding a point or fact.

with that said, I allow

Similar to "that being said", but using "allow" to mean conceding something.

in spite of that, I avow

Emphasizes the contrast with "in spite of that", and uses "avow" for a formal declaration of admission.

despite this, I accept

Highlights the contradiction using "despite this", and employs "accept" to show agreement with something.

however much I object, I realize

Expresses initial objection but ultimate understanding, replacing "admit" with "realize".

FAQs

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

Use "but I admit" to introduce a contrasting point or a concession. For instance, "I thought the project would be easy, "but I admit" it was more challenging than I expected."

What are some alternatives to "but I admit"?

You can use alternatives like "however I concede", "yet I acknowledge", or "still I confess" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "but I admit" after already presenting a contrasting viewpoint?

While not strictly redundant, using "but I admit" after a clear contrast can sometimes feel repetitive. Ensure it adds meaningful emphasis to the admission or concession you're making.

What is the difference between "but I admit" and "but I concede"?

"But I admit" is a general admission, while "but I concede" implies a more reluctant acknowledgment, often in response to an argument or debate.