he admits

USAGE SUMMARY

"he admits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a person is willing to accept or agree that something is true or valid. For example: "He admitted that it was his mistake and apologized for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"No, never," he admits.

Independent

"It's gross," he admits.

The New York Times

"He admits sexual promiscuity.

The New Yorker

He admits that.

The New York Times

"I did," he admits.

The New Yorker

But he admits defeat.

The Economist

Probably not," he admits.

Independent

He admits this is ambitious.

The Economist

"I definitely have," he admits.

Independent

"It's an obsession," he admits.

Independent

"It is terrifying," he admits.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language. While "he admits" is perfectly acceptable, consider using alternatives like "he acknowledges" or "he concedes" for nuanced reporting or to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "he admits" when a more emotionally resonant verb would be more appropriate. For instance, in situations involving guilt or shame, consider using "he confesses" instead to better reflect the emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he admits" functions as a reporting verb introducing a statement of acknowledgement or concession. As evidenced by Ludwig, it signals that a male subject is accepting or recognizing a fact, often one that was previously unknown or disputed. This is in line with Ludwig AI explaining that "he admits" describes a situation where a person is willing to accept that something is true or valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he admits" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as Ludwig AI indicates. It serves primarily as a reporting verb, introducing an acknowledgement or concession, most often within news and media contexts. While its use is generally neutral, contextual alternatives like "he acknowledges" or "he confesses" can provide nuanced meaning. To ensure proper usage, follow it with a 'that' clause or a gerund ('-ing' form of a verb). Consider the emotional tone required and select alternate word choices to avoid overuse in situations that need a strong emotional charge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he acknowledges

Uses a different verb to express a similar sentiment of accepting or recognizing something.

he concedes

Suggests a reluctant admission, often in the context of an argument or debate.

he recognizes

Focuses on acknowledging the existence or validity of something.

he confesses

Implies admitting to something wrong or embarrassing.

he grants

Suggests conceding a point, often to move the discussion forward.

he owns up to

An idiomatic expression indicating acceptance of responsibility.

he reveals

Suggests uncovering something previously unknown or hidden.

he discloses

Similar to reveals, but often implies a more formal or official context.

he comes clean about

Implies honesty and openness in admitting something previously concealed.

he confirms

Indicates that something is true or valid.

FAQs

How can I use "he admits" in a sentence?

The phrase "he admits" is typically followed by a clause stating what the person is acknowledging. For example, "He admits that he made a mistake" or "He admits to feeling nervous."

What are some alternatives to "he admits"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "he acknowledges", "he confirms", "he concedes", or "he reveals".

Is "he admits to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he admits to" is grammatically correct when followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "He admits to making a mistake."

What's the difference between "he admits" and "he claims"?

"He admits" suggests that the statement is true or accepted, whereas "he claims" indicates that the statement is being asserted but may not be true or verified. "He claims" implies a degree of uncertainty or skepticism.