got to admit

USAGE SUMMARY

'got to admit' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that you agree with something or acknowledge something to be true or correct. For example: "I've got to admit, she's a great singer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O.K., I've got to admit it.

The New York Times

(You've got to admit, that's catchy).

Independent

This is something we've got to admit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But you've got to admit it makes some sense.

The New York Times

You've got to admit, it all sounds pretty great.

The New York Times - Books

Now first of all you've got to admit that.

The Guardian - Books

You've got to admit: she looks the part.

The Guardian

"I've got to admit that I could be a suspect.

The New York Times

"C'mon," I said, "You've got to admit that's political".

The Guardian - Opinion

"I've got to admit I was shocked," he says.

The Guardian

But you've got to admit, he sells it well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got to admit" to introduce a concession or acknowledgment, particularly when you might have initially held a different view. For example: "I got to admit, I was wrong about that decision."

Common error

Avoid using "got to admit" in highly formal or academic writing, as it may sound too casual. Opt for phrases like "it must be acknowledged" or "it is undeniable" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got to admit" functions as an acknowledgment or concession. It is used to indicate that the speaker or writer recognizes or accepts something as true, often something that they might have initially doubted or disagreed with. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got to admit" is a common and grammatically correct way to express acknowledgment or concession. According to Ludwig AI, it is best suited for informal contexts, such as casual conversation and less formal writing. While predominantly found in news and media, its usage in formal academic or business settings should be approached with caution. For more formal tones, alternatives like "it must be acknowledged" or "it is undeniable" are recommended. In summary, while the phrase is widely accepted, understanding its appropriate register is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have to agree

Indicates agreement with a statement or opinion, often after some consideration.

can't deny

Similar to "it's undeniable", but often used in a more informal context.

have to concede

Implies a reluctant acknowledgment of a point or fact, often in an argument.

it is true that

Acknowledges the truth of a statement, often used to introduce a qualification or contrasting point.

I'll grant you that

Concedes a point to someone in a discussion, often followed by a contrasting viewpoint.

must acknowledge

Highlights the importance of recognizing something, often a fact or situation.

it's undeniable that

Emphasizes the certainty of a fact, making it difficult to argue against.

I recognize that

Acknowledges the existence or validity of something, often a problem or challenge.

I must say

Used to introduce an opinion or observation, often with a slightly surprised or impressed tone.

it's worth noting

Highlights something as being significant or important, often drawing attention to a specific detail.

FAQs

What does "got to admit" mean?

The phrase "got to admit" means that you are acknowledging or conceding something, often something you might not have initially wanted to agree with. It's a way of saying you recognize something to be true.

What can I say instead of "got to admit"?

You can use alternatives like "have to concede", "must acknowledge", or "I must say" depending on the context.

Is "got to admit" formal or informal?

"Got to admit" is generally considered informal. In formal settings, it's better to use phrases such as "it must be acknowledged" or "it is undeniable that".

How to use "got to admit" in a sentence?

You can use "got to admit" to introduce a statement that acknowledges something, often a fact or opinion. For instance, "I've got to admit, she's a very talented artist".