hate to admit it

USAGE SUMMARY

"hate to admit it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're reluctantly acknowledging something that you don't want to admit. For example: "I hate to admit it, but I was wrong about the decision I made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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 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

I hate to admit it, but Krugman nailed me on this one.

The New York Times

I hate to admit it, but my dad was right about the countryside.

The New Yorker

Economists hate to admit it, but the profession is as much faith as science.

The New York Times

I hate to admit it, but Spartacus is actually a pretty good artist".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hate to admit it" to introduce a statement that contrasts with your previously held beliefs or preferences, adding a touch of humility or self-awareness.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "hate to admit it". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hate to admit it" functions as a discourse marker or introductory phrase. It signals a concession, where the speaker acknowledges something they are unwilling or reluctant to accept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hate to admit it" is a common phrase used to express reluctance when acknowledging something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its informality makes it suitable for general conversation. For formal settings, consider alternatives such as "reluctantly concede" or "grudgingly acknowledge". Use this phrase to add a touch of humility and self-awareness, but avoid overuse to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm loath to admit

Uses "loath" to express a strong disinclination to admit something.

it pains me to say

Focuses on the speaker's emotional discomfort in making the statement.

I'm compelled to acknowledge

Suggests being forced or obliged to admit something, despite resistance.

grudgingly acknowledge

Highlights the unwillingness with which the acknowledgment is given.

I'm chagrined to admit

Uses "chagrined" to express embarrassment or annoyance at having to admit something.

reluctantly concede

Emphasizes the act of yielding or admitting something against one's will.

it goes against the grain to say

Highlights that making the statement is contrary to one's nature or principles.

I'm not thrilled to say

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or pleasure in making the statement.

with some reluctance

Directly states the presence of reluctance in admitting something.

against my better judgement

Implies that admitting something goes against what one believes is wise.

FAQs

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

Use "hate to admit it" to express reluctance when acknowledging something. For example, "I "hate to admit it", but she was right about the project's direction."

What phrases are similar to "hate to admit it"?

Alternatives include "reluctantly concede", "grudgingly acknowledge", or "it pains me to say" to convey a similar sense of reluctance.

Is "hate to admit it" formal or informal?

"Hate to admit it" leans toward informal but is acceptable in neutral contexts. For a more formal setting, consider alternatives like "I'm compelled to acknowledge".

When should I avoid using "hate to admit it"?

Avoid using "hate to admit it" in situations where you need to project confidence or authority. In those cases, a straightforward admission without expressing reluctance is more effective.