dare I admit

USAGE SUMMARY

"dare I admit" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are unsure or tentative about admitting something, or when you feel embarrassed or intimidated to admit something. For example, "Dare I admit that I don't know the answer to this question?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Dare I admit I'm not optimistic?

The New York Times

We were all — dare I admit it?

The New York Times - Travel

And on a summer's day back -- dare I admit it?

The New York Times - Arts

The first is that Lizzie and Darcy are, dare I admit it, a little dull.

The Economist

In the case of Star Trek (of which — dare I admit?

The New Yorker

"I had postcards of Picasso, the impressionists and even – dare I admit it – Salvador Dalí (I got over that).

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And I also knew by now, alas, far more about divine inspiration than I dared admit, for I knew how I worked myself up into my own visions, and how frequently — indeed, incessantly — the visions God granted to me differed from the visions He granted to my father.

The New Yorker

I invited him to dinner, which I admit was more a dare than a meal.

The New York Times

I admit, I've never looked into Putin's eyes – I wouldn't dare.

Vice

It took me longer than I dare admit to click that my secret foods are usually consumed around the extreme highs and lows.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I didn't dare admit, even to myself, that I enjoyed cross-dressing and found transgender people attractive (not that I knew the word "transgender" then).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dare I admit" when you want to express a degree of hesitation, embarrassment, or surprise about the statement you are about to make. It adds a touch of self-awareness to your writing.

Common error

While "dare I admit" can be effective, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound contrived or insincere. Consider alternative phrases to vary your tone and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dare I admit" functions as an introductory remark that signals the speaker's hesitancy or reluctance in making a particular statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dare I admit" serves as a prelude to a statement that the speaker is hesitant or embarrassed to make. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not overly formal, it strikes a neutral tone, suitable for diverse writing scenarios. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding contrived and consider alternatives like "I'm reluctant to admit" or "if I'm being honest" to diversify your writing style. Using "dare I admit" sparingly will add a subtle layer of self-awareness and vulnerability to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm reluctant to admit

Expresses unwillingness or disinclination to admit something.

if I'm being honest

Introduces a statement with a disclaimer of honesty, often implying a potentially controversial opinion.

if I must confess

Emphasizes obligation or reluctant necessity in making a confession.

I hesitate to say

Directly expresses hesitation, softening the impact of the statement.

should I confess

Poses a question of whether confession is necessary or appropriate.

I'm almost ashamed to say

Indicates a feeling of shame or embarrassment about the statement.

I'm loath to concede

Highlights the speaker's reluctance to give something up or agree with something.

can I be honest

Asks for permission to be honest, implying potential discomfort with the truth.

it pains me to admit

Highlights the speaker's discomfort or regret in making the admission.

with some embarrassment

Explicitly acknowledges embarrassment accompanying the admission.

FAQs

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

Use "dare I admit" to introduce a statement that you are somewhat hesitant or embarrassed to make. For example, "Dare I admit, I haven't finished reading that book yet."

What are some alternatives to "dare I admit"?

You can use phrases like "I'm reluctant to admit", "if I'm being honest", or "I hesitate to say" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "dare I admit"?

Yes, "dare I admit" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources. It's a common idiomatic expression used to express hesitation or mild embarrassment.

What's the tone of "dare I admit"?

"Dare I admit" conveys a tone of slight hesitation, self-consciousness, or mild embarrassment. It suggests that the speaker is revealing something they might prefer to keep private or are unsure about sharing.