hate to admit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hate to admit' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase typically implies a sense of frustration or reluctance to accept or voice a certain opinion. For example: "I hate to admit it, but I think my sister may have been right about the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I hate to admit it.

The New York Times

[laughs] I hate to admit it.

The New York Times

I hate to admit it but, yeah.

The Guardian

I'm shorter and, I hate to admit it, older.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I hate to admit to that one," he says.

The New York Times

"We, too, hate to admit that death is near".

The New York Times - Health

Politicians hate to admit that anything they plan to do will cause pain to any voter.

The Economist

"I hate to admit this: I don't look to see what anybody else is reading.

The New Yorker

"I hate to admit it, but I was third," Brown said.

The New York Times - Sports

I always hate to admit it, but tonally, I was close to Masha at the time.

The New York Times

I hate to admit it, but "American Idol" is a great show.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hate to admit" to add a touch of candor and humility to your writing, showing you're aware of your own biases or preferences.

Common error

Avoid using "hate to admit" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your language with alternatives like "reluctantly acknowledge" or "grudgingly concede".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hate to admit" functions as an introductory expression to a statement. It prefaces information the speaker is reluctant to share, often due to personal feelings or conflicting opinions. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

17%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Sports

7%

Opinion

7%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hate to admit" is a versatile introductory expression used to signal reluctance or discomfort when making a statement. Grammatically sound and categorized as neutral in register, it's found very commonly across diverse sources such as News & Media and Academia. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "hate to admit" introduces candor and humility into writing. While useful, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "reluctantly acknowledge" or "grudgingly concede" to maintain variety and sincerity in your writing. The phrase is grammatically correct, very common, and readily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm loath to admit

Expresses a strong aversion to admitting something.

unwillingly acknowledge

Emphasizes the lack of desire to recognize or accept something.

grudgingly concede

Suggests an unwillingness to admit something, often after resistance.

reluctantly acknowledge

Implies a hesitant acceptance or recognition of a fact or truth.

I must acknowledge with reluctance

Formal way to express hesitant acknowledgment.

regretfully confess

Highlights a feeling of sorrow or disappointment when admitting something.

I'm forced to concede

Suggests admission is inevitable despite one's wishes.

it pains me to say

Indicates that the speaker is experiencing emotional discomfort in stating something.

I am chagrined to admit

Suggests a feeling of embarrassment or disappointment upon admitting something.

I'm ashamed to say

Indicates a feeling of shame or embarrassment when making an admission.

FAQs

What does "hate to admit" mean?

The phrase "hate to admit" is used to express reluctance or displeasure when acknowledging something, often because it contradicts one's preferences or beliefs.

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

You can use alternatives like "reluctantly acknowledge", "grudgingly concede", or "I'm loath to admit" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hate to admit"?

Yes, "hate to admit" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

How can I use "hate to admit" in a sentence?

You can use "hate to admit" to introduce a statement that you are reluctant to make, such as "I "hate to admit" it, but she was right all along".