by admitting that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by admitting that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of acknowledging or confessing something, often in a context where the admission is significant or revealing. Example: "By admitting that he made a mistake, he showed great maturity and responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By admitting that Arabs should have accepted the UN partition, isn't Abbas finally accepting that history?

Huffington Post

–By admitting that he "inhaled" marijuana as a teenager, he put off the agenda an issue that dogged former President Bill Clinton.

Forbes

He started sentences by admitting that he might not know all the facts at hand.

The New Yorker

Cameron opened his speech today by admitting that MPs had made indefensible claims.

The Guardian

"Let me start by admitting that yes, I was incredibly naive.

The Guardian - Opinion

He hasn't helped matters by admitting that he "intensifies" his documentaries.

The New Yorker

It would help if we started by admitting that we don't really know.

The Guardian

Carmichael ends the documentary by admitting that, right now, this is "an evolving picture".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But the narrator signs off by admitting that he doesn't really care.

The Guardian - Books

Tulisa Contostavlos has put paid to the intense speculation on her looks by admitting that she has undergone cosmetic procedures.

Independent

I had better commit heresy straightaway by admitting that I far prefer Mr. Elkins's version of the story to Limón's.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by admitting that" to introduce a concession that strengthens your argument. It shows awareness of potential counterarguments.

Common error

Avoid using "by admitting that" to downplay serious issues. Honesty is appreciated, but using it as a smokescreen will diminish your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by admitting that" functions as an introductory element, typically a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial, that sets the stage for a statement or concession. Ludwig shows its versatility across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by admitting that" is a versatile and widely used phrase that serves to introduce an acknowledgment or concession, often to strengthen an argument or demonstrate objectivity. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse sources make it a valuable tool in effective communication. The phrase functions as an introductory element, setting the stage for a statement that may seem counterintuitive or contradictory. Although usable in different contexts, avoid to misuse it for deflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by acknowledging that

Replaces "admitting" with a synonym that implies a more formal recognition.

recognizing that

Implies a deliberate and thoughtful acknowledgement.

by confessing that

Substitutes "admitting" with a term suggesting guilt or wrongdoing.

by disclosing that

Suggests revealing something previously unknown.

in admitting that

Rephrases the structure, emphasizing the act of admission as a context.

upon conceding that

Uses "conceding" to imply a reluctant admission, often in an argument.

on the admission that

Transforms the phrase into a noun-based construction.

with the understanding that

Shifts the focus to a mutual agreement or awareness.

given the fact that

Introduces a statement as a known or accepted truth.

considering that

Presents a statement as a factor to be taken into account.

FAQs

How can I use "by admitting that" in a sentence?

Use "by admitting that" to introduce a statement that acknowledges a fact, often one that might be seen as unfavorable or contradictory to your main point. For example: "By admitting that the project was over budget, the manager was able to propose a realistic solution".

What phrases are similar to "by admitting that"?

Similar phrases include "by acknowledging that", "by confessing that", or "in admitting that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "admitting that" or "acknowledging that"?

"Admitting" often implies accepting something unfavorable or previously denied, while "acknowledging" suggests recognizing a fact without necessarily implying guilt or negativity. Choose the word that best fits the context of your statement.

Can "by admitting that" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "by admitting that" is appropriate for formal writing, including academic papers, business reports, and legal documents. Its clear and direct structure makes it suitable for conveying information precisely.