confession of guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confession of guilt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or discussions about accountability, where someone admits to wrongdoing or a crime. Example: "The defendant's confession of guilt was a pivotal moment in the trial, leading to a swift verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Now, it's a confession of guilt," he said of the lengthy financial disclosures that many speakers flashed on the screen.

The New York Times

As Morgan would have it, Nixon's confession of guilt is a sort of political suicide, a redemptive gesture, and Nixon has chosen Frost to assist him.

The New Yorker

Such a letter amounted to "a confession of guilt by the person who signs it", stated the ruling, exposing returnees to what the regime might deem "appropriate punishment".

The Guardian

'It comes to the same thing anyway,' the judge consoled me as I signed the confession of guilt which had been placed in front of me".

The New York Times - Books

The privilege against self-incrimination would be reduced to a hollow mockery if its exercise could be taken as equivalent either to a confession of guilt or a conclusive presumption of perjury.

Cornell University

(a) The privilege against self-incrimination would be reduced to a hollow mockery if its exercise could be taken as equivalent either to a confession of guilt or a conclusive presumption of perjury.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

All that remains are his confessions of guilt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Malinski, charged with murder, made several confessions of guilt, which were introduced in evidence at his trial.

Cornell University

Consequently, by the time of the Tang dynasty (618 907 ce), confessions of guilt were extracted through an inquisitorial process that included a closely monitored system of torture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The confessions of guilt of many of those arrested and charged with enemy activity were gained with the help of cruel and inhuman tortures.

The Guardian

The next steps on from this craven performance of justifying the leader's every contortion are confessions of guilt for crimes against the party and show trials.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or ethical matters, use "confession of guilt" to clearly indicate a formal or explicit admission of wrongdoing. Ensure the context supports the gravity of the admission.

Common error

Avoid using "confession of guilt" in trivial or everyday situations. Reserve it for scenarios where the admission has significant consequences, such as legal proceedings or serious ethical breaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confession of guilt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of admitting responsibility for wrongdoing. Ludwig AI's examples highlight its usage in legal, ethical, and personal accountability contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

32%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "confession of guilt" is a noun phrase used to describe an act of admitting responsibility for wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, reflecting its use in reporting on legal cases and discussing accountability. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's important to reserve its usage to contexts where the admission carries significant consequences. Alternative phrases, such as "admission of culpability", may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admission of culpability

Focuses on acknowledging responsibility for wrongdoing.

acknowledgment of wrongdoing

Highlights the act of recognizing and admitting improper behavior.

plea of guilty

Refers specifically to a formal declaration in a legal setting.

avowal of responsibility

Emphasizes the acceptance of accountability for an action.

declaration of fault

Stresses the admission of being at fault or having made an error.

acceptance of blame

Highlights the willingness to take responsibility for negative consequences.

self-incrimination

Involves providing evidence or testimony that implicates oneself in a crime.

contrition

Emphasizes the remorse and regret associated with admitting guilt.

mea culpa

A Latin phrase expressing acknowledgement of one's fault or error.

taking ownership of the mistake

Focuses on accepting accountability and responsibility for an error.

FAQs

What is another way to say "confession of guilt"?

You can use alternatives like "admission of guilt", "acknowledgment of wrongdoing", or "plea of guilty" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to have a "confession of guilt" to prove someone's wrongdoing?

No, a "confession of guilt" isn't always necessary. Wrongdoing can be proven through various types of evidence, such as witness testimony, forensic analysis, or circumstantial evidence.

In legal terms, what exactly constitutes a valid "confession of guilt"?

A valid "confession of guilt" must be voluntary, meaning it wasn't coerced or forced. The person confessing must also be aware of their rights, and the confession must be given without any improper inducements or promises.

What is the significance of a "confession of guilt" in a trial?

A "confession of guilt" can be strong evidence in a trial, often carrying significant weight with the jury or judge. However, its admissibility depends on whether it was obtained legally and voluntarily. Without those conditions met it could be inadmissible.